RCCG HOUSE FELLOWSHIP LEADERS’ MANUAL 28 MAY 2023

LESSON THIRTY-NINE (39)
TOPIC: END OF THIRD QUARTER / INTERACTIVE SESSION

SUMMARY OF LESSONS 27-38
LESSON TWENTY SEVEN (27)
TOPIC: AGEING

MEMORY VERSE: “The hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness” Proverbs 16:31.

BIBLE TEXT: Isaiah 46:3-4.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Ageing is the process of growing old or older with signs of developing the appearance and characteristics of old age. Every living soul from infancy shall go through this process and begin to experience a decline in biological function and, or strength, which goes on over the entire adult life of the person. It is a fact of life that the young shall also grow.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
BENEFITS OF BELIEVERS AT OLD AGE
1. Old age is a blessing from the Lord and we should never be afraid of aging- Isaiah 46:4
2. When living by the word of God, old age brings wisdom that helps and guides others, particularly younger one – Job 12: 12, Job 32:7.
3. Older people have been through many different experiences that will help your walk of faith and achieving success in assigned tasks or positions- 1Kings 12:6.
4. Elderly Christians do not truly get old if they do not stop seeking the advancement of the Kingdom of God and losing the zeal for Christ – Ps 71: 18-19.
5. Life renewal and sustenance at old age is assured- Ruth 4: 14-15
6. Godly elders continue to flourish and bear fruit of the body and soul winning- Ps 92:12-14
7. God answers the prayers of the elderly- James 5:4
8. Gray or Hoary hair is a crown of glory obtained by following a righteous path- Prov. 16:31, Pro 20: 29.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
DANGERS OF OLD AGE WITHOUT CHRIST
1. Disobedience or refusal to remember the creator, submit to and honor Him from the youthful days, makes aging a difficult and troublesome experience full of lamentations- Eccl 12: 1
2. Living our lives away from God the creator makes sustenance at old age difficult without God’s help Ps 100: 3
3. Coping with health problems, social problems and the ability to recover from depression more quickly, become difficult without the help of the Lord.
4. Lacking in fruit-bearing – John 15: 5
5. Hindrance to answered prayers – John 15:7
6. Eternity with the Lord is lost – John 15: 6

ACTIVITIES: What are benefits of living in old age as believers and menace of going through old age without Jesus?

SUMMARY: Old age is blessing from God.

CONCLUSION: Every believer should therefore live righteously through the process from their youth so they can earn the crown of glory at old age.

*LESSON TWENTY EIGHT (28)*
*TOPIC: PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES*

MEMORY VERSE: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. Proverbs 22: 6.

BIBLE TEXT: Psalms 127: 3, Malachi 2: 15, Hebrews 13: 7.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: According to our memory verse, God did not say train up a man. As an adult there are things they cannot learn again, you cannot bend a fish that is already dried. In psalms 127:3, the Bible says children are God’s heritage, they are gifts from God, so being a parent is a blessing from the Lord. Mal. 22:15 says God needs a Godly seed, rising Godly seeds can bring such great joy. Parents have the responsibility to care for the spiritual, physical, material and emotional well-being of their children. The most important biblical duty of a parent is to teach their children about God in action, in word and to lead them in the right path. The biblical role of a parents is to be a good steward of the children God has placed in his/her care.
Therefore, the authority to make decisions concerning and affecting the care, welfare and proper development of the child is known as parental responsibilities. Hence parents have as a duty to protect their children’s rights until they are old enough to make their own way in the world.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. RAISE THEM AS GODLY CHILDREN.
We do not own out children; they are the Lord’s. He blessed us with them, he trusts in us to raise them well according to His principles. Ezekiel 18: 4, Psalms 24: 1, 127: 3-5, 22:6.
Teach them bible truth.

2. TEACH THEM BIBLE TRUTH, e.g BIBLE commandments with biblical examples and biblical principles. Be a good role model, be a good example of positive influence. Deut. 11: 18-19, Isaiah 54: 13.

3. DISCIPLINE AND CORRECT THEM.
Discipline and correct our children. God Himself disciplines, rebukes, chastises and corrects His children through His word and instructs His children in righteousness 2 Timothy 22: 5, 23: 13-14, 29: 17.

4. PROVIDE AND EQUIP THEM WITH THEIR NEEDS, LOVE THEM AND LEAD THEM TO THEIR CREATOR.
Be supportive and loving. Protect and give an example of Christ love. Be strong in faith to be able to bring them up, knowing their right from wrong. Children are so important and loved by Jesus that He even compared us to them and said we must be like them to enter His kingdom. Mark 10:14-15, Luke 18:16, Matthew 18:3-5.

5. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN
Encourage our children, and not provoke them, this will help them grow into Godly men and women as a member of the family of God. Be patient with them, teach them forgiveness and spend quality time with them. Eph. 6:4, Col:3:21, Titus 2:4-6.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO
BENEFITS OF GOOD PARENTING
1. Peace and rest for the children and parents even at old age. Isaiah 54: 13, Proverbs 29:1.

2. Wisdom and understanding of God’s way. Proverbs 4:6-7, James 1: 5, Ephesians 5:6-10.

3. Fear of God and submission to God in all their decisions and absolute trust in God.
Proverbs 1:7, Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 3: 5-6, Proverbs 9: 10.

4. Battle axe in the hand of God – Psalm 127: 4-5.

ACTIVITY: Discuss virtues godly parents should possess.

SUMMARY: To have stress free tomorrow, there must be good foundation for our children.

CONCLUSION: The Bible commands that we point our children in the right direction so that when they are old, they won’t be lost. Train a child on how he/she should live and embrace divine principles that will guide them in the journey of life. Catch vision of successful parenting, it is possible to walk in light of what you have not seen. Proverbs 22: 6.

LESSON TWENTY NINE (29)
TOPIC: GOOD NEWS

MEMORY VERSE: “The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat”. Proverbs 15:30.

BIBLE TEXT: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Luke 4:18 (KJV)

LESSON INTRODUCTION : Good news can be defined as something that is positive, encouraging, uplifting and desirable. In another concept, it is describe mostly as a message and the type of message which come from our lord. Good news is the message proclaimed by our lord till today, it represents the greatness truth that a Christian can digest. It brings joy to the depressed and it also revives a depressed heart. Genesis 15:30.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
THE BENEFITS OF GOOD NEWS
1. It revives the sprit of man Gen 45:27.
2. It heals the brokenhearted prov 15:30.
3. It brings good tidings. Luke 2:10.
4. It brings hope. Colossians. 1:23
5. It brings joy. John. 15:10-12.
6. It brings relief to the spirit, soul and body
7. It brings reconciliation. Colossians 1:22
8. It break barriers. Mark 7:24

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REJECT GOOD NEWS?
Brethren, Jesus himself is a good news. And so, when you reject him you will:
1. Live in total spiritual blackout. Because good news is the lamp that illuminates your pathways.
2. Live in total ignorance. Because the bible says my people perish for lack of knowledge.
3. You reject good news, then you have rejected everlasting life. John 3:16-17.
4. You reject good news, then you are preventing the river of living water to flow out through you.

ACTIVITY: Discuss some dangers of rejecting the offer of good news.

SUMMARY: what avoid the spiritual blackout, you to embrace good news.

CONCLUSIONS: Brethren, good news is my form should be our medicine. So we must embrace it, accept it, live with it, preach it to the orders and use it because rejecting it is as dangerous as digging an early grave for oneself.

LESSON: THIRTY (30)
TOPIC: BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY

MEMORY VERSE: “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth”. Genesis 1:28 (KJV)

BIBLE TEXT: Genesis 1:26-28

LESSON INTRODUCTION: God gave to man the ability to reproduce himself, to gave birth to children. God instead of creating the whole human race by a single word, created one man and one woman and said to them, “I permit you to give birth to my children, to rear, educate, and care for them, teaching them to love me and to respond to my heart yearning.” So, man’s real business was to give birth to God’s children both physically and spirituality through SOUL WINNING.
God also gave His children ability to prosper according to 3 John 1:2. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. This gives a responsibility to man that can only be measured by eternity.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
HOW TO BE MULTIPLY AND FRUITFUL
1. Totally obedience to God’s word. Gen. 26:12-13, Deut. 8:18.
2. Giving to the work of God and humanity in general for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthains. 5:6 Matt. 6:38.
3. Growing up spiritually by studying doing and abiding in the word of God. Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3, 1Tim. 4:15, 1peter 2:2, John 15: 4-5.
4. Soul winning. Matt. 28: 18-19, Mark 16:15.
5. Prayer. Colossians 1:9-10, Matthew 7:7

ACTIVITY: Members should practice thier spiritual gift by winning souls this week

SUMMARY: He that wins soul is wise proverbs 11:30.

CONCLUSION: We are not coming to the father as begger’s begging for scraps; we come as sons not only claiming our legal rights but claiming the natural right of a child that is begotten in love. No one can hinder us or question our right of approach our father.

*LESSON THIRTY – ONE (31)*
*TOPIC: BENEFITS OF BEING IN CHRIST*

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

BIBLE TEXT: Ephesians 1:1-14

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Being in Christ means having a living relationship with Christ.
To have a living relationship with him, the following most be fulfilled:
1. We must believe and confess him as our personal lord and savior.
2. It must be no longer our WILL but is WILL be done in our lives.
There are many benefits for all those who are Christ, so if you are yet to give your life to him, I want to encourage you to do so today.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
MEANING OF BEING IN CHRIST
1. When we have received Christ as our Lord and savior, we are expected to start living for him.
2. The Holy Spirit indwells us and teaches us how to live and how to please God.
3. Any believer who is in Christ manifest the joy of the lord because he/she is not moved by circumstances surrounding him/her but by the faith because the joy of lord is the believer’s strength.
4. Those in Christ experience an excellent life and abundance of extraordinary results.
5. John 10:10b “I am coming that they might have life and that they might have it abundantly”

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
BENEFITS OF BEING IN CHRIST
Many benefits accrued to believers who are in Christ but to mention a few:
1. John 3:16 enteral life is one of the promises of God to whosoever believes in him.
2. The old nature will give way to the new nature:
a. Sin will give way to righteousness
b. Hatred for love
c. 1John 1:8-9 ” unforgiveness for forgiveness.
d. Becoming like him.
3. 1 Cor. 10: 31- our life’s will glorify God at all times.
4. John 1:12- He gives us the power to be his son’s and to live for him.
5. The Holy Spirit will become our partner.
6. We are loved by God.
7. Unspeakable joy.
8. Romans 8:1-39. Also explains some other benefits of being in Christ.

SUMMARY: Members should see God’s provision of redemption as blessing to man kind.

CONCLUSION: Anyone who is not in Christ will be in crisis, but we enjoy the benefit of sonship when we are in Christ.

LESSON: THIRTY – TWO (32)
TOPIC: MAKING FULL PROOF OF YOUR MINISTRY

MEMORY VERSE: But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 (KJV)

BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 25:13-15

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Ensure believer has been bought by the blood of the lamb to be on divine assignment – 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1Corinthians 7: 23, therefore each believer is positioned to make full proof of divine abilities released to him/her by making sure that the light of God shines wherever he/she goes, delivering the oppressed setting the captives free, ending all embargoes and travails that kept people groaning under demonic taskmaster. I pray that the almighty God will quicken us to be more responsive and responsible to this divine order and obligation in Jesus name.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: TYPES OF MINISTRY:
Ministry is divine assignment, where you are being developed and empowered, commissioned to bring glory to Almighty God. God did not create anyone to be idle. He wants us to be productive and live a meaningful life – Matthew 21:19, That is why Jesus gave the parable of the man who gave talents to his servants he dividend those talents in proportion to their abilities.

1. PROPHECY: This ministry brings encouragement and comfort. It operates with faith. Roman 12: 6 1 Corinthians 14:3.

2. TEACHING: It operates with unalloyed attention to what heaven say, Roman 12: 7, Act 6 : 4.

3. APOSTLES: This Sent One on a divine assignment. Ephesians 4:11.

4. EVANGELISM: This one share the good news of salvation to unbelievers Act 8:1-8.

5. PASTOR: This is the shepherd overseeing the sheep of the Lord. Jeremiah 3:15.

6. Helping others, Roman 12: 7.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: HOW CAN YOU MAKE FULL PROOF OF YOUR MINISTRY?
1. Keep a clean mind in all situations.
2. Be watchful, ready to receive divine instructions. Proverbs 1:10.
3. Do not be afraid of intending suffering.
4. Be diligent Proverbs 22: 29.
5. Follow your convictions and godly desires.
6. Respond to the love of God. Hebrew 13:5
7. Respond to the mercy of God. Roman 9:15-16.
8. Be ready to accept rejection. 1Kings 19:3-10.
9. Seek out the mystery of your call.
10. Obey your God-given call. Isaiah 1:19.

ASSIGNMENT : Let everyone at each centre develop and search for ministerial gifts he/ she possesses.

SUMMARY: Ministry is divine assignment, where you are being developed and empowered, commissioned to bring glory to Almighty God. God did not create anyone to be idle.

CONCLUSION: Almighty God has invested in the lives of the Redeemed, therefore we need to carry on to the fulfilment of divine task and make God happy.

LESSON: THIRTY – THREE (33)
TOPIC: MENTORING THE YOUTH

MEMORY VERSE: Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5 (KJV)

BIBLE TEXT: 2 Timothy 1:5, Matthew 28:18-20

LESSON INTRODUCTION : Mentoring is the process of training, advising young and less experienced with the goal of making them achieve desired goals. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the mentor of mentors Matt 4:19 invited his disciples to his mentoring program “And he saith unto them, follow me and I will Make you fishers of men”. His goal was to make them Evangelist sharing the gospel of salvation to all men. By Matt 20:28-20, He had completed his mentoring program, He therefore sent them as evangelists to go and fish for men all over the world and make them his disciples,
All parents, teachers and church leaders have the responsibility to mentor the youths under our care so that they will fulfill divine purposes for their lives. Prov, 22:6. may the holy Spirit teach us the more in Jesus name. Amen

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
MENTORING YOUTHS BY PARENTS
Prov .22:6″Train up a child in the way he should grow, and when he is old he Will not depart from it “. The home, made up of father, mother and child (ren) is the source and foundation of every child. Every child receives his /her first training and mentoring from his /her parents, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncle’s, e t c. that live together. Mentoring your children in the way of the Lord is a focused of exposing them to the knowledge and lifestyle of followers of Jesus Christ parent are expected to do the following:
1. Sharing your faith with your children. Deut. 11:19.
2. Teach your children daily about God. Is 54:13, 2 Tim 3:14-15.
3.Teach them to love the Lord and obey him. Gen.18:19, Prov.22:6, Duet.6:7-8.
4. Befriend your children.
5. Correct them in love.Eph .6:4, Heb. 12:6
6. Live by example.1 Tim.14:12, Phil.4:9.
7. Lead your children on daily family Altar.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
MENTORING YOUTHS BY THE CHURCH
The church leaders (children and teenage leaders) have the responsibility of mentoring the youth in the way of the Lord. Prov. 22:6
1. Teach them the world of God Prov 9:9, Prov 1:5.
2. Actively listen to them Prov. 11:14, Prov 18:13.
3 Be available 1 Thess 2:8
4. Challenge them with your life. Matt 5:16, 1 Timo 4:12.
5. Follow them up. Prov. 27:23

ACTIVELY: Discuss all that is required, to mentor youths adequately.

SUMMARY: Share your faith with your children and challenge them with your life testimonies to grow their dependence in God in all stages of life

CONCLUSION: Every patient, elder and church Leader has the responsibility of teaching and mentoring the youth to know, live and serve the Lord Jesus. This better accomplishment when you show them by the way we live our lives for Him. 1 Cor 11:1

LESSON: THIRTY – THREE (34)
TOPIC: YOUTHS AND GODLY USE OF ICT

MEMORY VERSE: And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. 2 Chronicles 26:15 (KJV)

BIBLE TEXT: 2 Chronicles 26:1-15

LESSON INTRODUCTION : Youths tend to be creative, adaptable, and innovative. Hence, they stand a greater chance to benefit more from rapid growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The internet which is most used form ICT by Youths, present both opportunity and challenges in terms of their spiritual and social development Parents, Pastors and Teaches must always guide the youths on the godly use of ICT. 2kings 12:2, Ps. 119:37.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
ICT is technology that is used to handle all forms information and communication process which can now all be assessed via the internet. The internet gives users quick access to information content. Youths are more involved in social media which are web- based technologies that facilitate sharing of ideas, thoughts and information through building of virtual network and communities. Social median platforms enable users to create and share contents, build social networks with other people with similar personal, business, career, spiritual interests or activities.
Example are Facebook, Facebook messenger, YouTube, Twitter, Whatsapp, Telegram, LinkedIn, Google+ Yahoo, Snapchat, Zoom, Pinterest, Ouora, TikTok, Viber, ect.

GODLY USE OF ICT
Technology is a very good tools for development that king Uzziah used to build his army and the kindgom of judah in his days. Christian youths can use ICT especially the social media for the following:

1. PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Hab. 2:14, youths are encouraged to use the social media to share their faith in the Lord Jesus across the world.

2. SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS. Titus 2:7. 1 Tim 4:12. Youths can become great influencers for God through social media as they showcase Christ through their lives and testimonies to the world.

3. BUILDING GODLY RELATIONSHIP. Prov. 18:24, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. Social media enable Christian youths to easily connect with families, friends school mates, business association on social media to share the scriptures, Prayers, Sermons etc. That will encourage and build their faith in Christ Jesus. Phil 1:3.

4. EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND CORPORATE ENGAGEMENTS Prov. 22:29. ICT (social media) is an effective communication tools for business, advocacy groups etc. Products and services can also be used advertised or marketed via the social media. Likewise education books textbook, papers can be shared via the social media.

CONCLUSION: There is need for discipline and caution in the use of ICT tools by the youths to prevent corruption of their hearts and derailment from fulfillment of their destinies.

LESSON: THIRTY – FIVE (35)
TOPIC: OFFERING, TITHES, AND FIRST FRUITS

MEMORY VERSE: Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1

BIBLE TEXT: Malachi 3:8-11

LESSON INTRODUCTION : Regular and faithful payment of tithes, offerings and first fruits is mandatory because God commanded it.
This are God’s provisions to bless his sons and daughters

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
OFFERING
Offerings are gifts we offer to God willingly from our hearts in appreciation for offering to be acceptable to God and to attract God’s blessings,it most possibly be given.

1. Regularly: 1 cor 16:2
2. Cheerfully and willingly: 2 Cor.9:7, 2 Cor.8:12
3. Sacrificially:2 cor.8:3-4
4. Abundantly:2 cor.9:6

TITHES
Tithes is the tenth of all income, wages, profit, gifts etc .God commanded payment of tithes Lev.27:30-32.
1. Abraham paid tithe and his seed which are must pay tithes. Rom.4:11-12, Gal.3:29, Gen.14:18-20.
2. God commanded Israel to pay tithes. Lev.27:30-32, Num.18:21-24.
3. Jesus commanded payment of tithes. Matt.23:23, Luke 18:12.
4. God commends his blessings on tithes.Mal 3:11
5. Non -payment of tithes attract curses.3:9.
6. Tithes should be paid in church/perish where you receive spiritual nourishment

FIRST FRUITS
First fruit are first fruit of increase Prov.9:3 ( difference between old and new salary), first fruit of sacrifice (first salary in office or year January), Gen.22:15-18 and redemption of the first male child.Ex.13:13

BENEFITS OF FIRST FRUITS ARE:
1. God promised to fill you with abundant and new blessings.Prov.3:9-10.
2. God promised to bless your children Gen.25:15-18, Gen.24:25-36.
3. God will fill you with material blessings 1kings 3:3-14.
ACTIVITY: Discuss the importance of financial commitment to divine assignment.

SUMMARY: When you obey divine principles laid down you shall surely prosper financially.

CONCLUSION: Our God says only what he will do-Num 23:19.He will honour his word to bless and protect us and our generations once we obediently give our offerings, tithes and first fruits.

*LESSON: THIRTY – SIX (36)*
*TOPIC: SWEARING AND CURSING FORBIDDEN I*

MEMORY VERSE: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Matthew 5:34 (KJV)

BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 5:33-37 (KJV)

LESSON INTRODUCTION : According to Matthew 5:34, the bible says make no oath at all, swearing is a dangerous issues that requires urgent attention because of the implications it brings to the people engaging in it. God warned the children of Israel in Leviticus 19:12 not to swear falsely by His name in other not to fall unto judgement. Swearing or Oath taking means solemn pledge or promise, an affirmed statement to attest to the truth of a contract or obligation.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE:
SWEARING AND ITS IMPORTANT
Swearing means promising things and wanting people to believe you are really telling the truth. When someone swear or take oath, he or she impose curses upon himself or herself.
Swearing or Oath taking has three parts.

1. Attesting, affirming to be correct true or genuine.
2. Calling for God to witness.
3. Invoking God’s punishment if the oath is violated of you say I swear to God what you are saying is that I am telling the truth, I want God to witness, I am telling the truth and I want God to punish of what am saying is lie.

WHY DO PEOPLE SWEAR?
1. Lack of trust 1 Samuel 24: 21-22
2. In ability to get things done properly. Genesis 24:37.
3. Lack of Faith Hebrew 11:1
4. Unbroken hearts having unregulated heart 1samuel 26:18.
5. Deceit of the devil, keeping them from knowing the danger of it. Judge 11: 31.

LESSON OUTLINE TWO:
IMPLICATIONS AND BIBLICAL EXAMPLE
1. Loss of trust Genesis 24:3-5
2. Destiny among the brethren.
3. Operation under demonic embargo
4. Lack of heaven’s support or assistant 1 Samuel 28: 6.
5. It comes with penalty. Leviticus 6:5.
6. Losing battles of life. I Samuel 28:. 5-10.
7. Untimely death and hell. Revelation 21: 8.
8. It bring siege to one’s life. Number 30:2, James 5:12.
9. It make you salve to destroy. Genesis 25:33, Matthew 26: 74, Mark 14:7.

LESSON OUTLINE THREE:
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES
1. Abraham to Abimelech. Genesis 21:23-24
2. Esau swore when he sold his birth right to Jacob his brother. Genesis 25: 33
3. Joshua’s spies to Rahab. Joshua
4. David to Jonathan 1 Samuel 20:17
5. Elders to Israel to inhabitants Gibeon. Joshua 9:2-15.

ACTIVITY: Discuss implications attached to swearing and cursing.

SUMMARY: When your communication with others lack truth, you invoke God’s curse upon yourself

CONCLUSION: Keep your word few, never allow your tongue to bring you to destruction.

LESSON: THIRTY – SEVEN (37)
TOPIC: SWEARING AND CURSING FORBIDDEN II

MEMORY VERSE: And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. Numbers 22:12 (KJV)

BIBLE TEXT: Genesis 31:32
32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.

LESSON INTRODUCTION : The word ‘CURSE’ according to the scripture is the act of summoning all forces on earth and heaven to destroy someone. I.e. appealing to supernatural power for harm to come to a specific person or group. In other words, to curse means utter a wish of evil against someone, to imprecate evil upon someone, to call for mischief or injury to fall upon someone.
From these above definitions, one can say God hate cursing that’s why 1 John 3:8 says one of the reasons Christ came is to destroy the works of the devil in which curse is one. And we concluded this part, may the almighty God destroy every chain of curse around us in Jesus might name.

LESSON OUTLINE ONE: WHAT CAN CAUSE CURSING?
1. Disobedient to divine order. Genesis 3:14
2. Exposing someone’s secret. Genesis 9:21-25
3. Lack of Self control . Genesis 49:5-7
4. Blaspheming God’s name and His act Leviticus 24: 11-16.
5. Not accepting the officer of salvation. Deuteronomy 27:15.
6. Neglecting your divine responsibilities i.e Tithe payment. Malachi 3:8-9, supporting the needy, windows, orphans. Zechariah 7;10 Roman 12:13, 1Timothy 3:12, 1 peter 4:9

LESSON OUTLINE TWO: WHO CAN CAUSE?
1. The Almighty God. Genesis 3:14, 4:11
2. Spiritual and biological parents. Genesis 9;21-25, 2 king 5:25-27
3. Spouse. Genesis 31:32
4. Superior 2 king 5;25-27

LESSON OUTLINE THREE: WHY GOD FORBIDS CURSING
Curse came to the world through the act of disobedient and other factors but God forbids curse because CURSE;
1. Bring limitations and demons impositions. 2 king 5:27.
2. Makes one’s heaven closed . Genesis 3:17-19.
3. Brings generational struggles and spells. Joshua 6:26, 1 King 16:34.
4. Brings untold hardship and lack of progress. Genesis 35: 16-29.
5. Make one’s dreams unfulfilled.1 Samuel 14:24-29.
6. Untimely death. 2 king 2:24.

Christ has redeemed the whole world from curse Galatians 3:13, that the whole world will enjoy the blessings as Abraham. Genesis 3:4

ACTIVITY: Let members mention those that suffered curses due to act of covetousness

SUMMARY: When you mutilate the act of cursing, you elongate your right to live.

CONCLUSION: God hates swearing and cursing.

LESSON: THIRTY – EIGHT (38)
TOPIC: YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD

MEMORY VERSE: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not
your own?”” 1 Corinthians 6:19

BIBLE TEXT: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
[16]Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
[17]If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: A temple is a building, a place for worship or dwelling place for God or gods. It is the place where God dwells in, where the spirit of God dwells, the house of God and not necessarily a house built up with bricks or cement.
When you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, God’s spirit comes into you and you become God’s spiritual house, His temple. You are added as a living stone to the temple of God, His dwelling place set up to offer acceptable sacrifices unto Him daily. 1 Peter 2:5, Ephesians 2:20. As God’s temple, your sacrifices must be done in holiness because God cannot behold sin. Romans
12:1, Habakkuk 1:13

LESSON OUTLINE ONE
THE TYPE OF TEMPLE GOD DESIRES
I. Temple of Purity And Power: As God’s temple, you are to consecrate yourself so that God can continually dwell in you. Romans 12:1-2. Psalm 4:3. Only consecrated things are deemed pure and to be used for sacred purposes-2 Tim. 2:19-21. Then God will release His power on you – Luke 10:19 for God is delighted to manifest His great power in and through you. Colossians 2:9-10. God wants to touch and heal through you – Acts.5:15-16, Mark 16:18.
II. Temple of Prayer: God’s temple is the place of prayer where we commune with God. As
God’s children, we should dedicate time to prayer daily. This reveals the measure of our understanding and faith in God. When we pray, we are acknowledging the supremacy of God in our lives by surrendering all at His feet so that He can step in and take over. Luke 18:1, 1 Thess. 5:17. To commune effectively, we cannot afford to toy with sin. Isaiah 59:1-2
III. Temple of Praise: As God’s temple, we are to offer the sacrifice of praise to God
continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.Hebrews 13:15.
The gates to His presence can only be open by praise – Psalm 100:4-5 and everything we desire in life is available in His Presence. Psalm.16:11
We must therefore ensure we offer God praise every day of our lives to enjoy His blessings daily. Psalm 150

ACTIVITIES: i. Diligently carry out all daily tasks outlined in the Golden Diet for this week.
ii. Check the activity to be done’ for the end of this quarter and plan ahead.

SUMMARY: As God’s temple, you possess divine power to effect positive changes.

CONCLUSION: God’s grace is available and is sufficient for us, 2 Corinthians 12:9. Every Christian should therefore ask and depend on
God’s grace daily to be God’s temple indeed. Matthew 7:7

SUMMARY OF LESSONS 27-38
LESSON: TWENTY-SEVEN (27)
TOPIC: DRESS DISCREETLY

MEMORY VERSE: “And you shall make holy garment for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty”. — Exodus 28:2(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Exodus 28:40-42

INTRODUCTION: In the beginning, the simple purpose of clothing was to cover nakedness and to protect the body from harmful natural conditions, such as cold, animal bites, etc. With time,new parameters emerged against the existence of fashion. However, every believer in Christ, according to *1Peter 2:9,* is regarded as a ‘priest’ and priests are know to have a certain way of dressing just as God instructed Moses to make holy garments for glory and beauty for Aaron and his son (Ex. 28:2).

LESSON OUTLINE:
1. YOUR DRESS DEPICTS YOU.
2. BIBLICAL STANDARD.

1. YOUR DRESS DEPICTS YOU.
A. The clothes you wear at one point or the other reflect who you are (2Kgs.1:8; 2Sam. 13:18).
i. It shows your mood, exactly how you feel at the moment; joyful or sorrowful (Gen. 37:34; Acts 12:21).
ii. It is also a pointer to what to achieve (2Sam. 3:31; Josh. 9:3-6).
iii. Your dress sense reveals your personality, character, and, style; if you are an influencer or mediocre.
iv. Putting on rumpled clothes is a simple display of slothfulness (Prov. 12:27).
v. A combination of riot colours and inappropriate sizes depict a carefree attitude, and lack of diligence (Prov. 21:25).
vi. Dressing intentionally in an immodest manner , to parade sensitive parts of the body, or provoke lust is a sign of mischief (1Cor. 8:13) because clothing sends a message about your morals or lack thereof (Prov. 7:10).
vii. Dressing in order to impress can be an albatross (1Sam. 17:38-39).

B. A dressing meant to distract or raise question does not stem from love. Following every fashion trend blindly paints naivety and ignorance (Prov. 12:26).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What comes up to your mind first when you see the kind of dress people around you wear?

2. BIBLICAL STANDARD.
A. God, irrespective of age and time has a standard for everything (Ps. 119:88).
i. After the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, God clothed Adam and eve to cover their nakedness (Gen. 3:21). This simply means believers’ dress must cover their nakedness.
ii. Any dress worn by a believer must give glory to God (1Cor. 10:31) and beauty to the person (Ex. 28:40).
iii. The fashion of this world is transient (1Cor. 7:31) so believers should always seek to honour God and not lust after the adulterated fashion of the world (1Jn. 2:15).
iv. Elegance is required in every believer’s dress sense (Ps. 45:13).
v. Believers are expected to dress moderately and modestly all the time (1Tim. 2:9; 1Pet. 3:3-4).
vi. Believers must be decent in our dressing (1Cor. 14:40) knowing that everyone of us shall give an account to God (Rom. 14:12).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Can a believer be fashionable and still dress decently? Explain.

CONCLUSION: Always note that you will be addressed the way you are dressed and whatever you wear reflects the real you. Remember we are all expected to bring praise and Glory to God in whatever we do.

*LESSON: TWENTY-EIGHT (28)*
*TOPIC: HABITS*

MEMORY VERSE: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life”. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 5:13-16

INTRODUCTION: Habit may be defined as a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up. It is also referred to as a “Dress,” Custom”or Dwelling”. It can also be termed as a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously. Habit can be positive or negative.

LESSON OUTLINES:
1. DEFINED BY YOUR HABITS
2. HABIT FORMATION AND CONTROL

1. DEFINED BY YOUR HABITS
A. Teacher should allow the students mention some means of expressing habits.
i. Habits are expressed in the way you wear clothes, sleep, eat, etc. Every habit you pick up is something you have developed in the mind, in your conscious and subconscious state (Prov. 23:7).
ii. The things that you consistently do on a daily basis determine your body shape, strength, and stamina, as well as many other things.
iii. According to *Joshua 1:8,* your success s in your habits. Jesus kept to the habit of preaching (Matt. 4:17), praying (Lk. 5:16), reading (Lk.4:16), and fasting (Mk. 9:28-29, Matt. 4:2).
iv. Habits can either make or break your chances of achieving your lifestyle goals as well as increasing quality of life and promoting longevity.
v. Some of the sicknesses and negative things you attribute to the devil are also traceable to your habit.

B. An unhealthy habit could be fear like Job’s, fornication like Samson’s, negative pronouncement like Balaam’s, irresponsibility like Adam’s, personality defects like Moses’, or adultery like David’s. The consistency of your habit turn to your behavior.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss the difference between habit and character

2. HABIT FORMATION AND CONTROL
A. During childhood, habits are picked up from parents, caregivers, friends, teachers, or society. However, forming a habit may include the following stages:
1. CUE: this is where the mind is consciously analysing your internal and external environment for hints of where rewards are located. Like what information, business, or idea we bring rewards. When you cue on the word of God, ideas for good success drop into your spirit (Joshua1:8).
2. CRAVING: The que is the first indication that you are close to a reward, it naturally leads to a craving. Cravings are the motivational force that may lead to forming a new habit. What you crave is the reward it delivers (Philippians 3:10)
3. RESPONSE: This is the actual habit you perform, which can take the form of a thought or an action (Proverbs 23:7).
4. REWARD: This is where you get addicted to a habit. There are two rewards system here: it’s satisfies your craving and then it teaches you to come back (James 1:14-15)

B. If a behaviour does not complete this stages, is it will not become a habit. Without the first three steps, a behaviour will not occur. Without all four, a behaviour will not be repeated.

C. Therefore, to get rid of bad habits, carefully take the following steps:
i. Identify your triggers
ii. Focuses on why you want to change
iii. Enlist accountability partners
iv. Practice self control
v. Replace the habit with a good one
vi. Leave yourself reminders

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Are bad habits formed naturally in people? Mention places where bad habits are formed and how to get rid of them.

CONCLUSION: Spiritually, what really needs to be done is to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit

LESSON: TWENTY-NINE (29)
TOPIC: THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT I

MEMORY VERSE: “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)”. –Ephesians 5:9(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Galatians 5:22-23

INTRODUCTION: One of the reasons Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit is to help us learn how to be more godly (John 16:12-15). The Holy Spirit will convict us of our sin (John 16:8) and guide us in choosing well when faced with temptations, thus producing godly characteristics within us (Ephesians 3:16; John 16:13). This is what the Bible describes as the ‘fruit of the Spirit.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. WHY “FRUIT?”
2. THE OPPOSITE OF BEARING FRUIT

1. WHY “FRUIT?”
A. The Bible uses a lot of agricultural metaphors because they were easily understood by the highly agricultural culture of the time.

B. The “fruit of the Spirit” refers to the “results” we should see in our lives after receiving the Holy Spirit and working on our hearts over time (Romans 8:9;12:1-2). Apostle Paul according to *Galatians 5:22-23*. gives us the component of the ‘fruit’ as:
i. Love,
ii. Joy,
iii. Peace,
iv. Long-suffering,
v. kindness,
vi. Goodness,
vii. Faithfulness,
viii. Gentleness,
ix. Self control.

C. The ‘fruit’ metaphor helps us see our faith as a tree with branches that may or may not produce fruit, depending on how well we take care of the tree itself. If we give the tree nourishment (God’s word) -1Peter 1:23;2:2, then it will grow bigger. If we clear away weeds and insects (sinful tendencies) -Ephesians 4:22-31; Colossians 3:8-10, then keep the tree healthy. If we consult the professional Gardener (God) -1Chronicles 16:11- then we will ensure we are on the right track.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Mention the components of the fruit of the Spirit

THE OPPOSITE OF BEARING FRUIT
A. If you are a Christian and you are not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, at best, you will experience stagnation-no growth (James 2:14-26). At worst, the result of “bad fruit” is death (Romans 6:20-23; Proverbs 14:12).

B. Notice that Galatians 5:22 starts with the word “but.” The Apostle Paul tells us that the opposite of these spiritual fruit. Let’s take a look at the verses just before the fruit list: “Now the work of the flesh are manifest, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred , variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: if the which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” -Galatians 5:19-21. This is a list of things that someone who does not have the Holy Spirit’s influence would have problems with.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should narrate their personal experience of how they have been able to exercise the fruit of the Spirit in them.

CONCLUSION: Our sinfulness produces rotted, poisoned fruit, which reflects our sinful nature and hurt us in the end. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit produces beautiful, nourishing fruit that reflects God’s nature and will ultimately benefit our lives.

LESSON: THIRTY (30)
TOPIC: THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT II

MEMORY VERSE: “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace”. — James 3:18(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: GALATIANS 5:16-18

INTRODUCTION: The life of the Christian is a constant battle between our sinful nature and our new nature in Christ (Gal. 5:17). Unfortunately, just because we have accepted Christ does not mean we are automatically immune to sinful temptations (Rom. 7:14-25). Sometimes, it may feel like we are trapped in a desire to reach for the sinful thing rather than the godly things. This dies not always have to be the case. We can overcome the flesh.

LESSON OUTLINES:
1. CHOOSE TO BEAR THE FRUIT
2. WORK AT IT

1. CHOOSE TO BEAR THE FRUIT
A. Now that we are in Christ:
i. we have the power to conquer the sinful desire of the flesh (2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:37).
ii. The very presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts means we can now choose godliness over sinfulness (Philip. 1:22).
iii. The choice is 100% OURS (Deut. 30:19).
iv. We are no longer a slave to our sinful nature (Rom. 6:14, 18).
v. We can choose love over hate, patience over hostile frustration, faithfulness over disloyalty, self-control over lustful desires…etc.
vi.This is the beauty of having the Holy Spirit- He gives us the POWER to fight (Philip. 2:13; 4:13).

B. All we must do to tap into that power is to practice obedience to God’s word and his direction (John. 15:4, 10, 14; Col. 3:16; Ps. 1:2-3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you ever overcome the desire to do what is evil? Share your experience

2. WORK AT IT
A. Teacher should ask the students if it is possible to have all the components of the fruit of the Spirit.

Answer: Some Christians have asked if it is possible to produce all the components to the fruit of the spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This seems like a lot to work on.
i. First, We should remember that God will not give us a load we cannot bear (Matt. 11:29-30).
ii. Second, the ‘yoke’ of bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit is not just possible, it is mandatory (Luke 1:37; Matt. 5:48).

B. However, since the enemies of our Salvation – the devil and the flesh – will not give up easily on us, we are bound to face the temptation of yielding to occasionally (1Peter 5:8-10). Therefore, we must:
i. Continue to work at attaining perfection (Philip. 2:12),
ii. Surrender totally to the dictates of the Holy spirit
iii. Resist the devil (James 4:7).
iv. Make no provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14).
v. Keep working at bearing all the components of the fruit of the spirit; it is possible (Philip. 4:13).
vi. We must on daily basis, take steps to nurture our relationship with Jesus so that we can grow to look more like him in his manner, attitude and actions (HEB. 12:2; Philip 2:5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Is it possible for someone who has just surrendered his/her life to Christ to possess all the components of the fruit of the Spirit?

CONCLUSION: Though we may struggle and fail, we will surely conquer the flesh and bear the fruit of the holy spirit. We ought to daily strive for, work for, and yearn for the fruit of the spirit

LESSON: THIRTY-ONE (31)
TOPIC: MENTAL HEALTH

MEMORY VERSE: “From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; they have not been closed or bound up, or soothed with ointment.”. — Isaiah 1:6 (NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 19:1-4

INTRODUCTION : In relation to mental health, the Bible has a lot to say about the heart, mind, and the condition of the soul. Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well being: it’s not just the absence of disease or infirmity. Mental health is important, as it affects the whole being (Prov. 4:23). This lesson addresses mental issues and possible solution.

LESSON OUTLINE
1. MENTAL HEALTH DEFINED
2. CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

MENTAL HEALTH DEFINED
A. Teacher should ask the students what they understand by’mental health’.
Mental Health is a state of well-being in which every individual can carry out four roles:
i. Realise his/her potentials
ii. Cope with the normal stress of life
iii. Work productively
iv. Participate meaningfully in the community.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

B. Mental ill-health on the other hand is a psychological disorder affecting one’s mood, thinking, and behaviour. The term mental illness covers a broad range of disorders from mild depression to schizophrenia – a condition that impairs a person’s ability to think, feel, process, and respond to life situations in an appropriate way. Mental illness can distort our view of God, others, and contribute to sinful behaviours.

C. There are some cases of emotional issues in the Bible such as:
i. depression (1Kgs. 19:1-4; Jonah 4:3),
ii. loneliness (1Kgs. 19:10),
iii. hopelessness (1kgs. 17:9-12),
iv. suicide (Matt. 27:5),
v. rejection (1Sam. 18:7-8),
vi. insanity (Mk. 5:1-5), etc.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1
How do you identify someone with a mental illness?

CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
A. God’s desire for believers is to live a peaceful and fulfilled life (Gen. 25:8; Jer. 29:11). However, there are some believers who are not operating in this realm of God’s intention for them. This may be as a result of some of these factors:
i. childhood abuse (Prov. 17:22b),
ii. trauma/neglect (2Sam. 13:19),
iii. loneliness (1Kgs. 19:10),
iv. discrimination/oppression (Jam. 2:6),
v. poverty (Prov. 10:15),
vi. loss of loved one (2Sam. 18:33),
vii. debt (Prov. 22:7),
viii. low self-esteem (Num.13:33),
ix. heavy workload/severe stress (1Sam. 30:4,6),
x. family challenges (Gen. 34:30), etc.
In some cases, spiritual forces have a direct effect on mental health (1Sam. 16:14; Mk. 5:1-5).

B. To overcome mental ill-health and enjoy emotional well-being, believer’s must understand that:
i. Failure and challenges are part of human life (Prov. 24:16; Rom. 8:28; Jam. 1:2-4).
ii. It is important to invest in good social networks and godly relationships (2Sam. 9:1).
iii. Loneliness and isolation which are risk factors for depression and suicidal behaviour should be avoided (Prov. 17:22).
iv. Good sleep helps the brain restore itself (Lk. 8:23a).
v. Regular exercise expunges toxic chemicals from the body (1Tim 4:8).
vi. Drug abuse (Self-medication) is not an option for good health.
vii. Healthy thoughts are necessary always (Phil. 4:8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention other caused of mental ill-health and possible ways if overcoming them.

CONCLUSION: Good mental health is necessary for good daily living. Therefore, take care of your health (Body, soul, and spirit).

LESSON: THIRTY TWO (32)
TOPIC: MANAGING DIFFICULT PEOPLE

MEMORY VERSE: “It is honourable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel”. Proverbs 20:3 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 13:7-11

INTRODUCTION: A difficult person may be one who is snobbish argumentative, quarrelsome, selfish, insensitive, or rude. Difficult people seem to know just how to “push one’s buttons” and stir up trouble. By difficult person, we mean people with certain personality traits or emotional characteristics that makes it difficult for you to relate with them. Difficult people can take many forms; however, it is expedient to learn how to manage them.

LESSON OUTLINES
1. IDENTIFYING DIFFICULT PEOPLE
2. HOW TO MANAGE DIFFICULT PEOPLE.

1. IDENTIFYING DIFFICULT PEOPLE
There are different types of difficult people.
1. The ‘Downers’: Those who always have something bad to say, complain, criticise and judge (2Samuel 6:20-21).
2. The ‘Better Tanks’: Also known as ‘Know it all.’ They are arrogant and usually think their opinion in superior on every issue. When they are wrong, they get defensive (1Samuel 2:3).
3. The ‘Passives’: Also are known as ‘Push-Overs.’ They do not contribute much to conversations or people around them and let other do the hard work (Luke 10:40).
4. The ‘Snipers’: These are quick attackers; they use rude comments, biting mockery, or insults that cut people down during interactions (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:3).
5. The ‘Blame gamers’: Those who shift blames or give excuses for their wrongdoings rather than try to resolve a problem (Genesis 3:9-12).
6. The ‘Yes People’: They agreed to every commitment, yet rarely deliver. You cannot trust them to follow through (Matthew 21:28-30).
7. The ‘No People’: They are quick to point out why something will not work. They are inflexible (2Kings 7:1-2)
8. The ‘Dictators’: They bully and intimidate, they are constantly demanding and brutally critical (2Chronicles 32:9-15).
9. The ‘Grenade Person’: This person, after a brief period of calm, explodes into unfocused ranting and raving about things that have nothing to do with the present circumstances (Matthew 2:16)
10. The ‘perfectionist’: Someone who is unwilling to settle for anything that is not perfect or does not meet extremely high standards.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The teacher and the students should discuss their experience if they have once been toxic.

2. HOW TO MANAGE DIFFICULT PEOPLE.
Our response to difficult people should model the examples provided by Jesus. Here are some of the things we need to do:
1. Be calm: Avoid losing your temper at difficult people (Proverbs 14:29).
2. Understand the person’s intentions: Try to identify the persons trigger. Find out what is making them act difficult (1Thessalonians 5:21).
3. Do a ‘background check’: Find out how others have been relating with the person (Ecclesiastes 1:13).
4. Let the person know your intentions: Sometimes, people are resistance because they think you being difficult with them (Colossians 4:6).
5. Build a rapport: Try to establish a close relationship with the person and learn about their families, hobbies, important dates, etc (Proverbs 18:24a).
6. Escalate to a higher authority for resolution: Sometimes, the way to get along with the person may be through the top-down approach (Matthew 18:15-17).
7. Apply godly wisdom: Sometimes, wisdom demands that you learn how to avoid conflict with a difficult person or know when to walk away.
You need to be careful not to become the ‘difficult person’ yourself (Proverbs 22:3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the possible effects of difficult people on one’s health?

CONCLUSION: Dealing with difficult people is an exercise in patience, love and grace.

LESSON: THIRTY-THREE (33)
TOPIC: INTER-PERSONAL TRUST

MEMORY VERSE: “The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain”. Proverbs 31:11(NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: ACTS 6:2-7

INTRODUCTION: The five-letter “trust” occurs in 139 verses in the Bible (KJV). While there are various root words translated ” trust”, in this context, it means reliance on the integrity, strength, or ability of a person or thing. Trust can be dependent or relational. Dependent trust is between man and God in which an individual completely trusts God while relational trust deals with with human relationships and signifies the trust one reposes in another person. We shall focus on the attribute of a trustworthy person and how to be one.

LESSON OUTLINES:
1. ATTRIBUTES OF A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON
2. BEING TRUSTWORTHY

1. ATTRIBUTES OF A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON
Teacher should ask students to give their ideas of a trustworthy person and later guide the class with the following point.
Trustworthy people are:

1. Tenacious: Trustworthy people are stubbornly unyielding to untruthfulness (Dan. 1:8).
2. Resolute: This means they are unwavering (Ruth 1:16).
3. Unbendable: They are always determined to do the right thing (Esth. 3:2).
4. Steady: They are straightforward (2Chr. 24:11-12).
5. Tested: They have proved their trustworthiness through thick and thin (1Sam. 12:3).
6. Accountable: They are always answerable for whatever task they engage in (Neh. 13:13).
7. Wholistic: They can be wholly trusted with time, money, the opposite sex, work, etc.
8. Reliable: They have your back and do not betray a trust or leak a secret for any reason (Prov. 14:23).
9. Weighty: Trust is weighty but not burdensome as a result; the carrier is conscious of carrying something important and does not misbehave (Gen. 39:9).
10. Solid: They are always firm (Job 17:9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How many of these attribute do you posses?

2. BEING TRUSTWORTHY
A. Being trustworthy is an intentional, planned, and decisive resolve an individual makes (Dan. 5:17). Trust is consciously earned by an individual (Prov. 31:12); it is not entrusted to anyone.

B. There is a price tag of sacrifices to be paid by anyone who chooses to be trustworthy (Gen. 39:10).

C. We need to ask God for help as we take time to study and obey His words because trust is the bedrock of a lasting relationship.

D. Some of the rewards of being trustworthy are peace of mind, boldness, a crown if honour, and an asset while the consequences of distrust include: shame, dishonour, and loss of opportunities.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you been embarrassed because you were not trustworthy?

CONCLUSION: Trust is significant and essential to any relationship we may build because it is this trust in one another that forms the foundation of a strong relationship.

LESSON THIRTY-FOUR (34)
TOPIC: BREAK THE YOKE OF POVERTY

MEMORY VERSE: “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him! he may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him”. Proverbs 19:7(NKJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: PROVERBS 6:9-11

INTRODUCTION: Generally, poverty can be described as a state of being extremely poor. Poverty can take different forms: mental, spiritual, material or financial. In the context of material/financial possessions, poverty is said to exist when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs. Scriptures clearly state that even brethren of the poor hate him (Proverbs 19:7) and that poverty can destroy the poor (Proverbs 10:15). What then causes poverty and how can a believer break free from it?

LESSON OUTLINES
1. CAUSES OF POVERTY
2. HOW TO BREAK FREE

CAUSES OF POVERTY
i. The teacher should ask the students to mention the forms of poverty they are aware of.
ii. The teacher should classify and raise discussions on poverty as outlined below and allow the students to make contributions accordingly.
1. Personal attitude which includes:
a. Laziness/Idleness. (Proverbs 10:4;19:15).
b. Poor work ethics. (Proverbs 14:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).
c. Lack of self discipline. (Proverbs 12:27).
d. Stubbornness. (Proverbs 13:18).
e. Drunkenness and gluttony (Prov. 24:21)
f. Worldliness and frivolous persuits. (Proverbs 21:17;28:19).
g. Limitation mentality. (Proverbs 23:7a).
h. Natural disasters (famine, floods, droughts etc.) *Genesis 12:10*
i. Health challenges (Mark 5:25-26).
j. Fire outbreaks. (Job 1:16).
k. Death of a benefactor. (2Samuel 4:4).

2. Oppression of others: Examples of oppression that can cause poverty include:
a. Delayed wages (Leviticus 19:13; 1Timothy 5:18).
b. Exorbitant interest rates on loans. (Exodus 22:25).

3. Spiritual causes of poverty include:
a. Repercussion of sin (Deuteronomy 28:15-21).
b. Wrong spiritual concept as some believers equate poverty to holiness.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Share with the class, the causes of poverty of anyone you know and what others should do not to fall into poverty.

HOW TO BREAK FREE
A. To break free from the yoke of poverty, you need to:
1. Discover your purpose for living and diligently pursue it. (2 Peter 1:10; Proverbs 22:29).
2. Father sufficient information on how to improve yourself in your chosen career, vocation or trade. (Proverbs 18:15; 24:4).
3. Be intentional about creating multiple streams of income (Ecclesiastes 11:2).
4. Find a problem around you that you can solve that will earn you good money. Acquire additional skill: re-skill and up-skill. (Proverbs 9:9)
5. Believe in yourself and have the ‘i can’t attitude. (Phil 4:13).

B. Essentially, breaking free from poverty requires giving (Prov. 11:24)
i. Pay your tithes and offerings. (Malachi 3:10-12)
ii. First fruit Proverbs 3:9-10).
iii. Give to the less privileged.
iv. Pray and study the word of God to know His perfect will for you in all your life endeavors (Psalm 37:23).
v. Stop living on debt, borrow only to invest (Proverbs 22:7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Mention other things a believer can do to create wealth and avoid unnecessary borrowing

CONCLUSION: Poverty is not pre-destined, therefore, change your mindset towards material wealth knowing that God gives the ‘power’ to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

LESSON THIRTY-FIVE (35)
TOPIC: THE POWER TO GET WEALTH

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 26:1-4,12-14

MEMORY VERSE: “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Wealth is the abundance of valuable possessions or money. The Power to get wealth refers to both divine and physical enablement to prosper. When we have wealth, we have more than we need to sustain a normal life. To get wealth, knowledge, as well as its right application is important. Hence, this study will examine some fundamental truths about wealth and principles of wealth creation.

OUTLINES:
1. SOME FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS ABOUT WEALTH
2. PRINCIPLES OF WEALTH CREATION

1. SOME FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS ABOUT WEALTH
A. Christians should note that God wants us to prosper (Ps.35:27; 3Jn.2) because;
i. He desires for us to have abundant life (Jn.10:10b).
ii. To provide financial resources for kingdom advancement (Lk.8:3).
iii. To be able to show practical love to humanity (Prov.11:11a).

B. Christians are not called to just survive nor are they to be unduly extravagant (3Jn.2; Phil.4:5). As Christians, we should aspire to get wealth and bear in mind that all blessings come from God and belong to Him (Jam.1:17). Also, all blessings come from God through men to men (Lk.6:38) – this is why we must keep healthy relationships. Being wealthy in God’s kingdom is a trust from God, we are only custodians (Deut.8:17-18).

C. It is pertinent to know that prosperity goes beyond financial blessings (Eph.1:3; 3Jn.2). Therefore, we must strive to achieve all levels of prosperity which include; spiritual, mental, bodily, financial, and relational prosperity (positive relationship with family, friends, and destiny helpers).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What is the difference and similarity between wealth and prosperity?

2. PRINCIPLES OF WEALTH CREATION
A. The principles of wealth creation can be broadly categorised under two divisions: Spiritual principles and Economic principles. To get wealth in the kingdom way, some of the necessary principles include:
i. The principle of absolute surrender (Job 22:21-26; Ps.112:1-3).
ii. The principle of tithing and first fruit (Lev.27:30; Mal. 3:8-12; Prov.3:9-10).
iii. The principle of giving (Lk.6:38; 2Cor.9:6-7).
iv. The principle of divine wisdom, direction, and strategies (Jam. 1:5; Gen.26:1-2, 12-13; 30:37-43).

B. In addition to the above, economic principles for wealth creation may include:
i. Principle of mental transformation (Prov.23:7a): the reality captured in your heart is what comes to manifestation. Imagine great things because your mind is an extraordinary fertile garden (Prov.4:23; Phil.4:8).
ii. The principles of value: Your value is a measure of your skills, gifts, or abilities – acquired or inherent (Prov.18:16). Be too valuable to be ignored.
iii. The principle of productivity: It involves refining and developing your value and turning it into a product or service. Creativity, innovation, competence, and excellence are magnets attracting people, resources, and opportunities to your life (Prov.22:29).
iv. The principle of increase/multiplication (Matt.25:14-30): Know how to ‘grow’ money through savings and investments. However, you should be cautious and invest only in things you understand.
v. The principle of networking: Connect with people of like minds and enablers (Prov.13:20). Your network determines your net worth.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Do you think you can only pray your way out to be successful? Discuss.

CONCLUSION: When God blesses you, He brings people, opportunities, and resources together to make you great.

LESSON THIRTY-SIX (36)
TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY AND WEALTH

MEMORY VERSE: “Both riches and honour come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.” 1 Chronicles 29:12 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 12:15-21

INTRODUCTION: As stated in the previous lesson, ‘wealth’ is the abundance of valuable possessions or money. When we have wealth, we have more than we need to sustain a normal life. The Bible contains several examples of people blessed by God with great wealth; Abraham (Gen.13:2), Jacob (Gen.30:43), Solomon (1Kgs. 10:23), Joanna (Lk.8:3), and Joseph of Arimathea (Matt.27:57) among others. We shall consider what the Bible says about wealth and what should be believers’ disposition towards it.

OUTLINES:
1. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
2. BELIEVERS’ DISPOSITION

1.BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
A. Christians’ view of wealth should be derived from the Scriptures. This is because:
i. Wealth and honour come from God (1 Chron.29:12).
ii. God often blesses His children with wealth when they please Him (Deut.28:1-5).
iii. The Bible establishes the fact that wealth and riches shall be in the house of the man that fears God (Ps.112:1-3).
iv. Money answers all things (Eccl.10:19).
v. To enjoy one’s wealth is a gift from God (Eccl.5:19).
vi. Money is a defence (Eccl.7:12) and it makes many friends (Prov.19:4).

B. However, the Bible also contains several warnings about wealth, among which is the fact that:
i. The love of money is the root of all evil (1Tim.6:10).
ii. Riches should not be trusted (Prov.23:5; Lk.12:15).
iii. Wealth gotten through the wrong means shall diminish (Prov.13:11).
iv. All men will die and leave their wealth to others (Ps.49:10).
v. Those who pursue wealth at the expense of other core values of life will never be satisfied (Eccl.5:10a).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How should believers see or handle wealth?

2. BELIEVERS’ DISPOSITION
A. Christians should note that:
i. Wealth has never been an accurate barometer of a person’s standing with God.
ii. Some righteous people are poor (Lk.16:20-23) while some wicked people are rich (Ps.73:3, 12).

B. How then should believers handle wealth?
i. it is not a sin for wealthy believers to enjoy their riches (Eccl.5:19; 3Jn.2).
ii. Believers should see wealth as an investment entrusted to them by God (1Chr.29:12).
iii. This wealth must be used to enhance good and pursue God’s purposes.
iv. Wealthy believers can initiate:
(a) charities and scholarship programmes (b) promote care for orphans, widows, and the less privileged (1Jn.3:17-18; Jam.1:27) (c) be instrumental in advancing God’s kingdom (Lk.8:3; Rom.16:3).
v. It is very important that believers prove themselves as faithful stewards by channelling their wealth to godly legacies (1Cor.4:2; Matt.6:19-20).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the wrong ways of handling wealth?

CONCLUSION: In a bid to be wealthy, believers should always note that their first care should be for God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matt.6:33).

LESSON THIRTY-SEVEN (37)
TOPIC: FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 19:12-26

MEMORY VERSE: “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit” Proverbs 14:8 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Simply put, financial intelligence is about being financially wise. It is the knowledge and skills gained from understanding finance and accounting principles in the business world and how money is being used (Prov.18:15). To be highly successful, extra efforts, skills, intelligence, and God’s leading will be needed. It is not only organisations and business owners that need financial intelligence; it is also needed for personal finance.

OUTLINES:
1. PERSONAL FINANCE
2. BE FINANCIALLY INTELLIGENT

1. PERSONAL FINANCE
The Teacher should test the knowledge of students on what personal finance is.
The Teacher should explain personal finance under two major headings: Personal finance and net worth.

A. PERSONAL FINANCE:
i. Personal finance is the term that covers planning (Prov. 21:5; 30:25) and managing personal financial activities such as revenue generation, expenditures, budgeting, savings, investments and other financial related actions (Matt. 25:20).
ii. It is the ability to make smart decisions, plan properly especially in the aspect of finance and live a good life (Prov. 10:4).

B. NET WORTH:
i. Your net worth and what you are able to do with your money is considered success (Matt. 25:22).
ii. It is not necessarily so much cash at your disposal
iii. A personal financial statement (Assets minus Liabilities) shows the net worth of an individual.
iv. For example:
a. If all assets in possession are sold and all debts paid, and the liabilities are greater than the assets, the financial statement indicates a negative net worth.
b. If the individual has more assets than liabilities, it is a positive net worth.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Can you say so manypeople in your locality are financially intelligent? If No/Yes: How and Why?
NOTE: You may NOT refer to specific names.

2. BE FINANCIALLY INTELLIGENT
For us to be financially intelligent, we need to do the following:
i. Develop a personal success-drive and be intentional about the wellbeing of your finance. 1Kings 11:28.
ii. Seek knowledge and be informed (Prov. 1:5): Invest in yourself (Prov. 19:20), read (2Tim. 4:13), make researches (Acts 17:11), ask questions and open your ears and eyes to the happenings around you.
iii. Practice what you learned about financial intelligence and use the knowledge gained to execute the purpose for which it was acquired. Prov. 6:6; 10:4.
iv. Keep track of your spending: identify where you need to make amends and where you need to intensify effort. Prov. 16:21a.
v. Have proper and detailed records of your income and expenditure. 2Chron. 34:16-18.
vi. Surround yourself with the right people who share the same opinion. Prov. 13:20; 27:17.
vii. Pray for divine wisdom and direction on what and when to invest your resources. Jas. 1:5; Isaiah. 30:21.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The Teacher should ask students to comment on why they think each of the seven items so identified above is necessary to make a person financially intelligent?

CONCLUSION: Financial intelligence is needed in order to stay on top of your financial game because hardly would you find a financially intelligent person who is not successful.

LESSON THIRTY-EIGHT (38)
TOPIC: CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

BIBLE PASSAGE: Leviticus 19:9-10

MEMORY VERSE: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: God’s relationship with man is characterised by His holiness, justice, love, and mercy among others. Our relationships with one another and society have to be patterned according to the character of God (Matt.22:36-39). Therefore, it is our responsibility as God’s people to care for those around us (1Jn. 3:10). The attempt of the church to show love and alleviate the suffering of the people, especially in her immediate environment/community is termed Christian Social Responsibility.

OUTLINES:
1. MEANING AND BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
2. BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

1. MEANING AND BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
A. MEANING OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
i. Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) is a faith-based obligation to meet societal needs through the demonstration of love that positively impacts communities and individuals.
ii. CSR has its roots in Christianity and the Church is meant to be an example for the world to follow (Matt.5:16).
iii. It is an initiative for community relations and to partner with the government in achieving the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
iv. CSR could be in the areas of provision of basic social amenities, Healthcare delivery/facilities, Education, Media, Business support, Art/Entertainment, Governance, Sports, etc.
v. It involves strategically assessing societal challenges and developing appropriate structured programmes to cater for them.

B. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
CSR is a core part of the ministry of the Church. It is not a 21st-century concept; it has its origin in the Bible. For instance:
i. Leviticus 19:9-10 and 23:22 instruct us to always make provisions for the needy out o f our income.
ii. In Matthew 14:15-21, Jesus demonstrated the need for CSR when He fed five thousand men (besides women and children).
iii. The early Christians distributed their wealth to take care of those in need (Acts 2:44-45).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are the differences between Corporate Social Responsibility and Christian Social Responsibility?

2. BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
i. It enables people to actually see and know the meaning of the love of God. 1John 3:16-18.
ii. It meets the needs of the less privileged in the society. Psalm 28:7.
iii. It promotes evangelism and entrenches the church of God in the hearts and minds of the people we come across. Matt. 5:16.
iv. It embraces responsibility for suitable actions and encourages a positive impact on the environment. Mark 12:33.
v. It complements government’s efforts in providing and sustaining the standard of living for people in their immediate community. Jas. 2:14-16.
vi. It enables the church to build a good relationship with the community. Gal. 6:10.
vii. It helps the believers to represent Jesus physically in their communities. Prov. 13:17; 2 Cor. 5:20.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the disadvantages of not engaging in Christian Social Responsibility on regular basis?

CONCLUSION: Christian Social Responsibility is not to seek commendation from men but to show the love of Christ and be a blessing to our community.

LESSON 0THIRTY NINE (39)
TOPIC: 3RD INTERACTIVE SESSION AND QUARTERLY REVIEW

SUMMARY OF LESSONS 27-38
*LESSON TWENTY SEVEN (27)*
*TOPIC: BREAK THE YOKE OF POVERTY*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 6:9-11

MEMORY VERSE: “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.” Proverbs 19:7.

INTRODUCTION: Generally, poverty can be described as a state of being extremely poor. Poverty can take different forms: mental, spiritual, material or financial. In the context of material/financial possessions, poverty is said to exist when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs. Scriptures clearly state that even the brethren of the poor hate him (Prov.19:7) and that poverty can destroy the poor (Prov.10:15). What then causes poverty and how can a believer break free from it?

LESSON OUTLINES
1. CAUSES OF POVERTY
2. BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY

1. CAUSES OF POVERTY
i. The teacher should ask the students to mention the forms of poverty they are aware of.
ii. The teacher should classify and raise discussions on poverty as outlined below and allow the students to make contributions accordingly.

A. PERSONAL ATTITUDE:
i. Laziness and idleness. (Prov.10:4; 19:15).
ii. Poor attitude to work/work ethics. (Prov.14:23; 2Thess.3:10).
iii. Lack of self-discipline. (Prov.12:27).
iv. Stubbornness. (Prov.13:18).
v. Worldliness and frivolous pursuits. (Prov.21:17; 28:19).
vi. Limitation mentality. (Prov.23:7a).
vii. Drunkenness and gluttony. (Prov.23:21).

B. NATURAL DISASTERS:
i. Famine, flood, droughts. (Gen.12:10).
ii. Health-related challenges/epidemic. (Mark 5:25-26).
iii. Fire outbreaks. (Job 1:16).
iv. Death of benefactor. (2Sam.4:4).

C. OPPRESSION:
i. Poor wages/Delay wages/Refusal to pay wages. (Lev.19:13; 1Tim.5:18).
ii. Exorbitant interest rates on loans. (Ex.22:25-27).

D. SPIRITUAL CAUSES:
i. Consequences of sin. (Deut.28:15-21).
ii. Wrong belief that poverty is equal to holiness or godliness.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss other causes of poverty not included in the above classifications.

2. BREAKING FREE FROM POVERTY
The following information could lead a person out of poverty:
i. Discover and pursue your purpose for living. (Prov.22:29).
ii. Improve yourself in your chosen career, vocation and trade. (Prov.18:15; 24:4).
iii. Create multiple streams of income. (Eccl.11:2).
iv. Solve people’s problems
v. Acquire additional knowledge through re-skill and upskill. (Prov.9:9; Eccl.10:10).
vi. Believe in your ability to perform. (Phil.4:13).
vii. Be a generous giver. (Prov.11:24).
viii. Pay your tithes, first fruit and offerings regularly. (Mal.3:10-12; Prov.3:9-10).
ix. Pray and study the word of God for direction. (Ps.37:23).
x. Don’t live on debt, borrow only to invest. (Prov.22:7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss other godly ways to be free from poverty?

SUMMARY: Poverty is not pre-destined, therefore, change your mindset towards material wealth knowing that God gives the ‘power’ to get wealth (Deut.8:18).

*LESSON TWENTY EIGHT (28)*
*TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY AND WEALTH*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 12:15-21.

MEMORY VERSE: “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” 1 Chronicles 29:12.

INTRODUCTION: Wealth is the abundance of valuable possessions or money. When we have wealth, we have more than we need to sustain a normal life. The Bible contains several examples of people blessed by God with great wealth; Abram (Gen.13:2), Jacob (Gen.30:43), Solomon (1Kgs.10:23), Joanna (Lk.8:3) and Joseph of Arimathea (Matt.27:57) among others. We shall consider what the Bible says about wealth and what should be believers’ disposition towards it.

OUTLINES:
1. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
2. BELIEVERS’ DISPOSITION

1. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
A. Students should mention some examples of wealthy people in the Bible in addition to those indicated in the lesson introduction.
B. The teacher should direct the attention of the students to the positions of the Bible on wealth as indicated below:
i. 1Chron. 29:12: God owns wealth and honour.
ii. Deut.28:1-5: God blesses his children with wealth and honour
iii. Psalm 112:1-3: The houses of men and women that fear the Lord shall be filled with riches and wealth.
iv. Money is not evil after all, because:
a. Eccl.10:19 says money answers all things.
b. Eccl.7:12 says money is a defence.
c. Prov.19:4 says money makes many friends.
v. Eccl.5:19: To enjoy one’s wealth is a gift from God.
C. Arising from the above points, the teacher should ask the students to state whether wealth and riches are good for believers or not.
D. The teacher should allow students to mention those things that are not good about wealth. For instance:
i. Love of money is not good because it is the root of all evil. (1Tim.6:10).
ii. Trusting riches is not good. Rather the God of all riches should be trusted. (Prov.23:5; Luke 12:15).
iii. Getting wealth through the wrong means is not good because such wealth will diminish. (Prov.13:11).
iv. Holding wealth so dearly as if it is God, is not good because one would still die some day and leave the wealth behind. (Psalm 49:10).
v. Pursuing wealth to the extreme at the expense of other core values of life is not good because wealth is also vanity and those who pursue it can never be satisfied. (Eccl. 5:10a).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How should believers see or handle wealth?

2. BELIEVERS’ DISPOSITION
A. i. Believers should not see all wealthy people as sinners or all poor people as righteous. (Luke 16:20-23; Psalm 73:3-12).
ii. Poor people could be saints or sinners.
iii. Wealthy people too could be saints or sinners.

B. The following guidelines could help believers to develop the right attitude to wealth.
i. It is not a sin for a believer to be wealthy and enjoy riches. (Eccl.5:19; 3John 2).
ii. Wealth should be seen as God’s benevolence investment entrusted to believers. (1 Chron.29:12).
iii. Wealth should be seen as a veritable tool to advance kingdom projects on earth. For instance:
a. Wealthy believers could promote charities and scholarship programmes, care for orphans, widows etc.
b. Wealthy believers could use their resources to minister to the needs of God’s servants. (Luke 8:3; Rom.16:3).
c. Wealthy believers should be faithful to God with their riches by supporting God’s work. (Matt.6:19-20).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the wrong ways or attitudes in handling wealth?

SUMMARY:God does not prohibit His children from getting wealth through righteous means.

CONCLUSION In a bid to be wealthy, believers should always note that their first care should be for God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matt.6:33).

*LESSON TWENTY NINE (29)*
*TOPIC: FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 19:12-26.

MEMORY VERSE: “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.” Proverbs 14:8.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Simply put, financial intelligence is to be financially wise. It is the knowledge and skills gained from understanding finance and accounting principles in the business world and how money is being used (Prov. 18:15). To be highly successful, extra efforts, skills, intelligence and God’s leading will be needed. It is not only organizations and business owners that need
financial intelligence. It is also needed for
personal finance

2. LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: WHAT IS PERSONAL
FINANCE?
The teacher should test the students’
knowledge of what personal finance is.
The teacher should explain personal f-
nance under two major headings: financial
intelligence and net worth.

A. FINANCE INTELLIGENCE:
i. Personal finance is the term that covers
planning (Prov.21:5; 30:25).
ii. It involves managing personal financial activities such as revenue generation, expenditures, budgeting, savings, investments and other financial related actions (Matt.25:20).
iii. It is the ability to make smart decisions,
plan properly, especially in the aspect of fi-
nance and live a good life (Prov.10:4).

B. NET WORTH:
i. Your net worth and what you are able to
do with your money is considered a success
(Matt.25:22).
ii. lt is not necessarily so much cash at you
disposal
iii. A personal financial statement (Assets
minus Liabilities) shows the net worth of an
individual.
iv. For example:
a. If all assets in possession are sold and all
debts paid, and the liabilities are greater than
the assets, the financial statement indicates
a negative net worth.
b. lf the individual has more assets than liabilities, it is positive net worth.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Can you say so many
people in your locality are financially intelligent? If No/Yes: How and Why?

NOTE: You may NOT refer to specific names.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: HOW TO BE
FINANCIALLY INTELLIGENT
A.The tips below can assist to make a per-
son financially intelligent if properly mixed
and applied:
i. Develop a personal success-drive and be
intentional about the well-being of your fi-
nance. (1 Kgs.11:28).
ii.Seek knowledge and be informed (Prov.1:5): invest in yourself (Prov.19:20), read (2Tim.4:13), make research (Acts 17:11), ask questions and open your ear and eyes to the happenings around you.
iii. Practice what you learned about financial
intelligence and use the knowledge gained to
execute the purpose for which it was acquired. (Prov.6:6; 10:4).
iv. Keep track of your spending: identify
where you need to make amends and where
you need to intensify efforts. (Prov.16:21a).
v. Have proper and detailed records of your
income and expenditure. (2Chron.34:16-18).
vi. Surround yourself with the right people
who share the same opinion. (Prov.13:20; 27:17).
vii.Pray for divine wisdom and direction on
what and when to invest your resources.
(Jam.1:5; Isa.30:21).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The teacher should ask students to comment on why they think each of the seven items identified above is necessary to make a person financially
intelligent?

SUMMARY: Some of the ways to fight
poverty to stand-still are through
good/successful personal finance and finan-
cial intelligence.

CONCLUSION: Financial intelligence is
needed in order to stay on top of your finacial game because hardly would you find a
financially intelligent person who is not
successful.

*LESSON THIRTY (30)*
*TOPIC: RENDERING HELP*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 9:36-41.

MEMORY VERSE: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” Galatians 6:10.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Rendering help is the act of giving aid or assistance (whether materials or services) to people in need. It can be in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility or personal assistance to the less privileged. More importantly, the Bible encourages us to help members of the household of faith (Gal.6:10).

2. LESSON OUTLINES:
LESSON OUTLINE 1: WHO NEEDS OUR HELP?
A.The teacher should find out from the stu-
dents how many people they helped last
week.

B.The teacher should mention and explain those who need our help as indicated in the
list below:
i. Our family members: immediate and extended. (1Tim. 5:8).
ii.Committed brethren who are in need. (Gal.
6:10).
iii. The aged/old people. (Lev.19:32).
iv. The widows/widowers. (Jam.1:27)
v. The orphan, deserted/helpless. (Ps.82:3).
vi. The poor. (Prov.19:17).
vii.The physical/specially challenged (emotional, mental, etc.). (2 Sam.9:3; 13).
viii. Body of believers. (Gal.6:10).
ix. Our community members.
x.The society at large

C.The teacher should explain that helping
others could include the offering provision/materials directly or linking the needy to the source(s) of help to access good jobs, pay hospital bills, get scholarships for children’s school fees, etc.

D.The teacher should stress the following:
i. Rendering help should not be an excuse for some people to be lazy, indulge in begging or feel entitled.
ii.Believers should note that all our possessions come from God, which means He (God) owns everything. (Ps.68:19; 1Cor.4:7).
iii. Believers should therefore be encouraged
to give to people in need or render helpful
services because these result in blessings.
(Prov.22:9).
İv. Rendering help and expecting nothing back from the recipient, is a great way to be Christ-like. (Lk.6:34-35).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Discuss what we can do or give to help people in need.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: HOW SHOULD WE HELP?
A. Important things to note about helping:
i. We should help in love. (1 Cor. 13:13;
1John 3:17).
ii.We should render help as service to God.
(2 Cor.9:8).
iii. Giving, for instance, should be an outward sign of our love for others. (1Jn,3:17).
iv.We should render help as service to God.
(2 Cor.9:8).
iv. We should give expecting God to bless us in return. (Luke 6:38).
v. We should give to show the depth of our faith. (Mal.3:10).
vi. The state of the heart of the giver matters more than the size of the gift. (Luke 21:1-4).

B. CASE STUDY: Paul’s injunction to the believers in Corinth. He encouraged them to:
i. Give generously i.e. willingly. (2 Cor.8:12).
ii.Give cheerfully with strong conviction.
(2 Cor.9:7).

C. No one should give under duress. But giving, even when you are reluctant can be a learning process especially when you do not have a surplus. (Ps.126:5-6).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss why believers should give according to the guides stipulated above?

SUMMARY: Believers are admonished to render help to the needy and this must be in
line with Scriptural guidelines so as to be
blessed.

CONCLUSION: God loves it when we give
(2 Cor.9:70) and He will always pay back in
ways we least imagine.

*LESSON THIRTY-ONE (31)*
*TOPIC: CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Leviticus 19:9-10

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The God-man relationship is characterized by His holiness, justice, love and mercy among others. Our relationships with one another and society have to be patterned according to the character of God (Matt.22:36-39).
Therefore, it is our responsibility as God’s people to care for those around us (1John 3:10). The attempt of the church to show love and alleviate the sufferings of the people in her immediate environment/community is termed Christian Social Responsibility.

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: MEANING AND BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
A. MEANING OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
i. CSR is a faith-based obligation to meet societal needs through the demonstration of love that positively impacts individuals and communities.
ii. CSR is rooted in Christianity. Therefore, the church should be an example for the world to follow. (Matt.5:16).
iii. It is an initiative to foster community relations and partner with the Government to achieve Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
iv. CSR involves (among others) the provision of basic social amenities, health care delivery/facilities, education, media, business support, art and entertainment, governance, sport, etc.
v. CSR also involves strategically assessing societal challenges and developing appropriate structured programmes to cater for them.

B. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES OF CSR
CSR is a core part of the ministry of the church. It is not a 21st-century concept; it has its origin in the Bible. For instance:
i. God instructed the harvesters at farms and those who glean to leave some harvest for the poor. (Lev.19:9-10).
ii. God orders reapers and gleaners to remember the poor and the strangers in their harvest. (Lev.23:22).
iii. The Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated Christian Social Responsibility by providing surplus food for about five thousand (5,000) men without women and children .(Matt.14:15-21).
iv. The Apostles (Early Church) used their wealth to take care of those in need. (Acts 2:44-45).
v. The Church can follow the pattern of the Apostles, the Lord Jesus and the farmers/harvesters to provide for the needs of the poor and the strangers.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What are the differences between Corporate Social Responsibility and Christian Social Responsibility?

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
i. It enables people to actually see and know the meaning of the love of God. (1Jn. 3:16-18)
ii. It meets the needs of the less privileged in society. (Ps.28:7).
iii. It promotes evangelism and entrenches the church of God in the hearts and minds of the people we come across. (Matt.5:16).
iv. It embraces responsibility for suitable actions and encourages a positive impact on the environment. (Mark 12:33).
v. It complements the government’s efforts in providing and sustaining the standard of living for people in their immediate community.
(Jam.2:14-16).
vi. It enables the church to build a good relationship with the community. (Gal.6:10).
vii. It helps believers to represent Jesus physically in their communities. (Prov.13:17; 2 Cor.5:20).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the disadvantages of not engaging in Christian Social Responsibility on regular basis?

SUMMARY: CSR is rooted in the word of God and has great benefits to the world at large.

CONCLUSION: Christian Social Responsibility is not to seek commendations from men but to show the love of Christ and be a blessing to our communities.

*LESSON THIRTY-TWO (32)*
*TOPIC: MENTAL HEALTH*

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 19:1-4

MEMORY VERSE: “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.’ Isaiah 1:6

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Bible
does not explicitly speak on the topic of
mental health. However, it does have a lot to
say about the heart, mind and the condition
of the soul. Health is defined by the World
Health Organization (WHO) as a complete
state of physical, mental and social well-being: it is not just the absence of disease or infirmity. Mental health is important, as it affects the whole being (Prov 4:23) This lesson addresses mental issues and possible solutions

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: MENTAL HEALTH DEFINED
i. The teacher should find out what the students understand by “being healthy” “being unhealthy” and “mental illness”
ii. The teacher should define mental health according to the World Health Organization (WHO) as follows:
“A state of well-being in which every individual can carry out four roles:
a. Realize his/her potentials
b. Cope with the normal stress of life
c. Work productively
d. Participate meaningfully in the community

iii. The teacher should define mental ill-health as follows: *“A psychological disorder affecting one’s mood, thinking and behaviour”*
iv. The teacher should state that mental health includes: our emotional, psychological and social well-being.

A. CAUSES OF MENTAL ILLNESS
-The teacher should identify the under listed items as some of the factors that can lead to mental ill-health and comment briefly on them.
i. Child abuse. (Prov.17:22b).
ii. Trauma/Neglect. (2 Sam.13:19).
iii. Loneliness. (1 Kgs.19:10).
iv. Discrimination/Oppression. (James 2:6).
v. Poverty. (Prov.10:5).
vi. Death/Loss of loved one(s) (2 Sam.18:33).
vii. Debt. (Prov.22:7).
viii. Loss of courage/low self-esteem. (Num.13:33).
ix. Stress/Heavy workload. (1 Sam. 30:4, 6).
x. Difficulties/Challenges. (Gen. 34:30).
xi. Spiritual forces. (1Sam.16:14, Mark 5:1-5).

B. SOLUTIONS TO MENTAL ILLNESS
i. People should understand that failure and
challenges are part of human life and should
therefore prepare for them. (Prov. 24:16, Rom. 8:28, Jam.1:2-4).
ii. Investing in a good social network and
godly relationships are important. 2sam. 9:1
iii. Loneliness and isolation which are risk
factors for depression and suicidal behav-
iour should be avoided. (Prov.17:22).
iv. Good sleep helps the brain restores itself.
(Luke 8:23a).
v. Regular exercises expunge toxic chemicals from the body.
(1 Tim.4:8).
vi. Drug abuse (self-medication) is not an option for good health
vii. Healthy thoughts are necessary always.
(Phil.4:8).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:
The teacher should ask students to mention briefly how believers can live a peaceful, fulfilled and healthy life. (Gen.25:8; Jer.29:11).

SUMMARY: God’s desire for all His children is to be healthy; body, soul, and spirit.

CONCLUSION: Good mental health is necessary for good daily living. Therefore, take care of your health (body, soul and spirit).

*LESSON THIRTY-THREE (33)*
*TOPIC: MANAGING DIFFICULT PEOPLE*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 13:7-11

MEMORY VERSE: “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.’’ Proverbs 20:3
.
LESSON INTRODUCTION: A difficult person may be one who is snobbish, argumentative, quarrelsome, selfish, insensitive or rude. Difficult people seem to know just how to “push one’s buttons” and stir up trouble. By difficult persons, we mean people with certain personality traits or emotional characteristics that make it difficult for you to relate with them. Difficult people can take many forms, however, it is expedient to learn how to manage them.

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: IDENTIFY DIFFICULT PEOPLE
i. The ‘Downers’: Those who always have something bad to say, they complain, criticize and judge. (2 Sam.6:20-21).
ii. The ‘Better Tanks’: Also known as know it all.” They are arrogant and usually think their opinion is superior on every issue. When they are wrong, they get defensive. (1Sam.2:3).
iii. The ‘Passives’: Also are known as “Push-Overs.” They do not contribute much to conversations or people around them and let others do the hard work. Luke 10:40
iv. The ‘Snipers’: These are quick attackers; they use rude comments, biting mockery or insults during interactions that cut people down.
v. The ‘Blame gamers’: Those who shift blame or give excuses for their wrongdoings rather than try to resolve problems. Gen.3:9-12
vi. The ‘Yes people’: They agree to every commitment, yet rarely deliver. You cannot trust them to follow through. Matt.21:28-30
vii. The ‘No People’: They are quick to point out why something will not work. They are flexible.
2Kgs.7:1-2
viii. The Dictators: They bully and intimidate, they are constantly demanding and brutally critical. 2 Chron.32:9-15
ix. The ‘Grenade Person’: This person, after a brief period of calm, explodes into unfocused ranting and raving about things that have nothing to do with the present circumstances. Matt.2:16
x. The ‘Perfectionist’: Someone who is not willing to settle for anything that is not perfect or does not meet extremely high standards.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: HOW TO MANAGE DIFFICULT PEOPLE
A.The teacher should point out that believers’ response to difficult people should model the examples provided by Jesus.

B.The teacher should expindicatedlain how to manage difficult people as below:
i. Be calm: Avoid losing your temper or flaring up at difficult people. Prov.14:29
ii. Understand the person’s intentions: Try to identify the person’s trigger. Find out what is making them act difficult. 1Thess.5:21
iii. Do a background check. Find out how others have been relating with the person. Eccl.1:13
iv. Let the person know your intentions: Sometimes, people are resistant because they think you are being difficult with them. Col.4:6
v. Build a rapport: Try to establish a closer relationship with the person and learn about their families, hobbies, important dates, etc. Prov.18:24a
vi. Escalate to a higher authority for resolution: Sometimes, the way to get along with the person may be through the top-down approach.
Matt.18:15-17
vii.Apply godly wisdom: Sometimes, wisdom demands that you learn how to avoid conflict with a difficult person or know when to walk away.

C. The teacher should caution students against becoming the ‘difficult person’ themselves. Prov.22:3

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: How do you ensure that you do not become a difficult person while attempting to manage difficult persons?

SUMMARY: A wise man foresee evil and avoid being involved in it. To have adequate knowledge about a thing is not sufficient but to apply the knowledge appropriately. Prov.22:3

CONCLUSION: Dealing with difficult people is an exercise in patience, love, and grace.

*LESSON THIRTY-FOUR (34)*
*TOPIC: RELATIONAL TRUST*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 6:2-7

MEMORY VERSE: “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” Proverbs 31:11

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The five-letter word “trust” occurs in 139 verses in the Bible (KJV). While there are various root words translated ‘‘trust,’’ in this context, it means reliance on the integrity, strength or ability of a person or thing. Trust can be dependent or relational. Dependent trust is between man and God in which an individual completely trusts God while relational trust deals with human relationships and signifies the trust one reposes in another person. We shall focus on the attributes of a trustworthy person and how to be one.

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: ATTRIBUTES OF A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON
The teacher should explain the 10 attributes of a trustworthy person as stated below:
i. Tenacious: Trustworthy people are stubbornly unyielding to untruthfulness. Dan.1:8
ii. Resolute: This means they are unwavering. Ruth 1:16
iii. Unbendable: They are always determined to do the right thing. Est.3:2
iv. Steady: They are straightforward. 2 Chron.24:11-12
v.Tested: They have proved their trustworthiness through thick and thin. 1 Sam.12:3
vi. Accountable: They are always answerable for whatever task they engage in. Neh.13:13
vii. Wholistic: They can be wholly trusted with time, money, the opposite sex, work, etc.
viii. Reliable: They have your back and do not betray a trust or leak a secret for any reason.
Reliable: Prov.14:23
ix. Weighty: Trust is weighty but not burdensome as a result; the carrier is conscious of carrying something important and does not misbehave. Gen.39:9
x. Solid: They are always firm. Job 17:9

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:
Students should rate themselves based on the scale below. They should allow the Holy Spirit to guide them as this exercise would serve as self-appraisal and should lead to prayers.

ATTRIBUTES 5 4 3 2 1
1. Tenacious
2. Resolute
3 . Unbendable
4 . Steady
5 . Tested
6 . Accountable
7 Wholistic
8. Reliable
9 . Weight
10. Solid

* The total score is 50 Marks i.e. 5 Marks X 10. Students who score less than 25 should ask God to help them to be trustworthy

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BEING TRUSTWORTHY
-The teacher should explain the following elements of being trustworthy.
i. Being trustworthy is an intentional, deliberate, planned and purposeful resolve that an individual makes. Dan.5:17
ii. It is not entrusted to an individual. Trust is consciously earned. Prov.31:12
iii. There is a price tag of sacrifices to be paid by anyone who chooses to be trustworthy. Gen.39:10
iv. We need to ask God for help to be trustworthy. Rom.7:22-25
v. Trust is a bed rock of a lasting relationship
vi. Some of the rewards of being trustworthy are: Peace of mind, Boldness, Crown of honour, etc.
vii.Some of the consequences of distrust are: Shame, Dishonour, Loss of opportunities, etc.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Give examples or illustrations on how to earn a trust.

SUMMARY: A Christian must be trustworthy.

CONCLUSION: Trust is significant and essential to any relationship we may build because it is this trust in one another that forms the foundation of a strong relationship.

*LESSON THIRTY-FIVE (35)*
*TOPIC: RAVISH YOUR SPOUSE*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 5:15-20.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.” Proverbs 5:19.

INTRODUCTION: To be ravished is to have a feeling of delight; being filled with wonder and enchantment. So, to ravish your spouse is to give him or her an atmosphere full of passion and fascination. The husband, as well as his wife, has crucial roles to play to enjoy a romantic and successful marriage.

OUTLINES:
1. ROLES OF THE HUSBAND AND HIS WIFE
2. BENEFITS OF RAVISHING YOUR SPOUSE

1. ROLES OF THE HUSBAND AND HIS WIFE
A. The teacher should explain the role of a good husband in marriage as indicated below:
i. A husband who loves his wife should celebrate her always (Prov.31:28b); be her best friend, appreciate her and share in her feelings. (Gen.26:8).
ii. A good husband should protect and shield his wife from being disrespected by others. (Eph.5:29).
iii. He also respects her opinions, wishes, beliefs and communicates without using abusive words. (Col.3:19; 4:6).
iv. He does not force her to give up on her dreams to follow his, rather, they talk things through to see what works for both of them. (Rom.12:10).
v. The husband should focus on the strength of his wife and talk less about her weaknesses (discuss the gray issues and pray together for a change). 1Pet. 3:7; 4:8
vi. Do not lose the romance. (SOS.1:2; Prov.5:19). To be romantic, a husband should keep in mind important dates (wedding anniversary, birthdays, etc.). (Rom. 12:15).
vii. As a good husband, be humorous and know how to cheer your wife especially when she is feeling low. (Prov.15:13; 17:22; 21:29a).

B. The teacher should explain the role of a good wife in marriage as indicated below:
i. To ravish your husband is a divine assignment given to you by God – to be your husband’s helper. (Gen.2:18; Prov.12:4).
ii. They should be women of virtue (Prov.14:1).
iii. To ravish your husband you must be submissive to him. (Eph.5:22; 1Pet.3:1-2).
iv. As a wife you should be spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and recreationally, knitted together with your husband. (Prov.12:25).
v. They must be caring and manage the home well. (Prov.31:15).
vi. Meeting your husband’s sexual needs is vital: do not use sex as a weapon of denial. (SOS.1:13; 1 Cor.7:4-5).
vii. The husband must be celebrated and honoured as a king: in fact, he is your king.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: (This is a discussion). At what point do spouses deviate from their responsibilities? Why?

2. BENEFITS OF RAVISHING YOUR SPOUSE
-The teacher should explain that when a husband and his wife are knitted, the relationship would produce the following benefits:
i. Intimacy and mutual trust. (Mark 10:8).
ii. Their love will be unquenchable. (SOS 8:7).
iii. Their home will be filled with joy, peace and progress.
iv. They will enjoy good health. (Prov.14:30).
v. God will be present in such home and prayers will be answered quickly. (Matt.18:19; 1 Pet.3:7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: (Discussion) considering the definition of “ravish” indicated in the “Lesson Introduction,”what are the negative effects of not ravishing one’s spouse as indicated in the five benefits stated above.

SUMMARY: Love your spouse intimately.

CONCLUSION: Sweeten your relationship with your spouse and the bliss will be long lasting.

*LESSON THIRTY-SIX (36)*
*TOPIC: MARRIAGE INFLUENCERS*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 5:3-4

MEMORY VERSE: “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:” Proverbs 24:3.

INTRODUCTION: God invented marriage for companionship, sexual intimacy, procreation and invariably fulfilment (Gen.2:18, 21-24). However, what becomes of marriage depends primarily on the understanding of the couple on what marriage should be and the factors that positively or negatively influence such understanding (Prov.24:3-4). How a couple manages such influence(s) determines whether or not there will be happiness, peace, progress, etc. We shall, therefore, address some of these marriage influencers in this lesson.

LESSON OUTLINES:
LESSON OUTLINE 1: NEGATIVE INFLUENCERS
-The teacher should ask students on how items 1-7 could have adverse influence on a marriage?
a. Friends in toxic relationships: Couples must protect their marriage from failure by avoiding destructive relationship patterns sponsored by third parties whose marriages seem not to be working. (1 Cor.15:33; Ps.1:1).
b. Inordinate pursuit of money/career: Money is needed to run the affairs of the home but when it is being pursued at the expense of the marriage, it may affect the togetherness of the couple. (1 Tim.6:10).
c. Undue attention to social media: Communication becomes hampered when spouses pay more attention to social media activities than on each other. (Matt.6:21). This has disrupted family intimacy.
d. Character defects: One of the factors that make marriage beautiful is change. However, when spouses refuse to admit the need for a change in a defective lifestyle, such marriage suffers needless tensions. (Matt.7:3).
e. Close relationship with Ex-lover/opposite sex: Failure to redefine and detach fully from previous or present intimate relationship with the opposite sex can trigger unforeseen sexual immorality. (Prov.5:3, 15, 20).
f. Excessive jealousy: This happens when a partner is over-possessive. This is dangerous and can lead to destructive behaviours. (Prov.6:34).
g. Addiction: Habits like gambling, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, etc. are some moral vices that can draw the heart of either of the partners away from the marriage.

NOTE: The discussion has taken care of the Class Activity 1.

2. POSITIVE INFLUENCERS
The teacher should note and make necessary contributions on influencers of marriage as stated below:
i. Trust and understanding. (1Jn.4:18; 1Pet. 3:7).
ii. Selflessness and mutual support. (Gal.6:2; Eccl.4:9-10).
iii. Praying together and keeping Christ at the centre of the relationship. (Matt.18:19; Ps.127:1).
iv. Building a new home and family culture together. (Gen.2:24).
v. Spending quality time together. (Prov.31:28).
vi. Guarding and managing your thoughts. (Prov.4:23; 23:7).
vii. Finding work-family balance. (Rom.12:11; Ps.127:2).
viii. Never go to bed angry. (Eph.4:26).
ix. Speaking kind and uplifting words to each other. (Prov.15:1; Col.4:6).
x. Do not nag. (Prov.21:19).
xi. Being reasonable with family finance and budgets. (Prov.16:21).

NOTE: The discussion has taken care of the Second Class Activity

SUMMARY: Negative influencers to marriage should be avoided while positive influences should be embraced.

CONCLUSION: Every marriage is a work in progress. Therefore, we must be intentional to make it work.

*LESSON THIRTY-SEVEN (37)*
*TOPIC: DIVORCE IS COSTLY*

BIBLE PASSAGE: *Malachi 2:13‭-‬16

MEMORY VERSE: “And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.” Malachi 2:15.

INTRODUCTION: Anyone considering divorce must have experienced months or years of struggle with their spouse. They are familiar with emotional distance, insecurity, fear, depression, anger, and perhaps betrayal. Life has become so difficult that divorce seems like the only path toward peace and happiness. Our High Priest empathises with believers in such state (Heb.4:15). However, God clearly explains His reasons for esteeming marriage so highly. He says it was He who “made them one” (Mal.2:15). Marriage was God’s idea and any deviation from His design is detestable to Him. Marriage is not just a contract; it is a covenant. This is why God hates divorce and the consequences can be grievous.

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: GOD HATES DIVORCE
-The teacher should explain the points stated below to buttress why God hates divorce
i. Marriage symbolizes the covenant which God has with His people. 1Cor.6:17
ii.God wants His children to understand that the marriage covenant is a very serious covenant.
iii. Any attempt by a spouse to break the marriage covenant is a deliberate attempt to mar and make mockery of God’s concept of covenant relationship. Rev.19:7-9; 2 Cor.11:2
iv. God did not intend divorce to be part of the marriage experience and it grieves Him when we harden our hearts and break a covenant that He created. Matt.19:4-8
v. One major purpose why God established marriage is to produce “godly offspring” i.e God-fearing children and God’s people. Mal.2:15
vi. God’s design for the family was that one man and one woman commit themselves to each other for life and rear children that will understand the concept of covenant as well.
vii.There is a far greater likelihood of having a successful marriage for Children reared in a healthy, two-parent home.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss the impacts of divorce on marriages, homes, children and society at large.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: DIVORCE HAS GRAVE CONSEQUENCES
A.The teacher should point out to the students that:
i. There is a direct correlation between the way a man treats his wife and the effectiveness of his prayers.
B.The teacher should explain the seven consequences of divorce as indicated below:
i. Divorce is a death of a union, and therefore the death of a dream, a promise and a family unit. Everyone involved – even a perpetrator – will feel grief and loss during a divorce. If there are children involved, they will experience severe grief over the loss of being with both parents together and living under the same roof.
ii. Divorce marks a pivotal moment in a person’s life, especially for children; life as they know it changes forever and they become different versions of themselves, adapting to new routines and new versions of their parents (who have also changed).
iii. Children of divorced parents are more likely to experience poverty, educational failure, early and risky sexual activities, non-marital childbirth, early marriage, cohabitation, marital discord and divorce.
iv. Following a divorce, parents and children often experience emotional and psychological problems that can last for years, even for the rest of their lives. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, distrust, insecurity, lack of intimacy, confusion over sexual and/or gender, guilt, faithlessness, loneliness, bitterness, and rebellion manifest themselves in children who have lived through the divorce of their parents.
v. Divorce matters can lead to a poor sense of judgment especially on marital issues, increase in crime, drug/alcohol addiction and even suicide attempt.
vi. The productivity of divorcees/divorced men may reduce at work and in their service to God.
vii.There is a chance of another divorce. Research shows that about 60% of divorcees/divorced men who marry will divorce again. Realistically, most people carry the unresolved issues from their last failed marriage into their next marriage. Malachi 2:13-14

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: According to Malachi 2:13-14, what happens to the offerings made to God by men who deal treacherously with their wife?

SUMMARY: God hates divorce because it carries grave consequences.

CONCLUSION: If God hates divorce, believers should do everything possible, including consulting with the Author of marriage – God, to make the marriage work.

*LESSON THIRTY-EIGHT (38)*
*TOPIC: CHILD ABUSE*

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 10:13-16

MEMORY VERSE: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6.

INTRODUCTION: According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, a child is “a young person especially between infancy and youth.” Child abuse is any maltreatment of a child which causes him/her harm. Such action can also take the form of child neglect or failure to protect a child from danger especially by a parent or other caregivers. The Bible tells us that whosoever harms a child is asking for God’s anger (Mark 9:42).

LESSON OUTLINES
LESSON OUTLINE 1: FORMS OF CHILD ABUSE
-The teacher should group child abuse into three broad categories as follows:
i. Physical abuse
ii.Sexual abuse
iii. Emotional abuse
-The teacher should allot each element of the child abuse under each category to students to discuss. The forms and elements of child abuse are stated below:
I. Physical Abuse:
i. Excessive beating of a child.
ii.Throwing of object at child, poisoning, child labour e.g. trafficking, hawking.
iii. Neglecting to give the child basic necessities of life like food, clothing, shelter, education, health care etc.
iv. Use of drugs, alcohol or any substance that will cause the child distress.

The teacher should use 1 Kings 3:19; 25-
26; and Mark 9:24 to buttress the points.

II. Sexual Abuse:
-The teacher should identify the following elements of sexual abuse and call students to discuss their impacts on the affected child.
i. Fondling of a child’s sexual organs.
ii. Pornography.
iii. Rape.
iv. Defilement of a child.

The teacher should use 2 Samuel 13:10-15 to buttress the points.

III. Emotional/Psychological Abuse:
a.Teasing and bullying.
b.Threat.
c. Verbal abuse/cursing.
d. Belittling.
e. Blaming/Finding fault.

The teacher should use 1Samuel 17:26-28 to buttress the points.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: SIGNS AND PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE
A.The teacher should explain the following signs of child abuse to the students.
i. Aggressive behaviour.
ii. Low self-esteem.
iii. Sleeping difficulties.
iv. Unexplainable bruises, burns or swelling.
v. Lack of concentration.
vi. Inclination to crime.
vii.Deformation or death.
B. The teacher should allow students to discuss how the following items stated below can prevent child abuse:
a. Early education, identification and intervention.
b. Break the silence i.e. reporting abuse appropriately.
c. Train the child in a godly way. Prov.22:6
d. Correction to wrong doing should be directed towards healing and reforming and not destroying. (Teacher to explain).

SUMMARY: No child abuse of any form is allowed.

CONCLUSION: Child abuse is a menace that must be dealt with holistically in the fear of God.

Children are divine weapons in God’s hands. Parents have a huge responsibility for equipping these weapons.

May God grant you grace as you study today’s devotional in Jesus’ name.

Today’s confession: I confess today that I and the children that the Lord God has given me, we’re for signs and wonders. My children are divine weapons from God. They are arrows shot from eternity through time. They accomplish and fulfill all that they are sent to in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!

Pastor E. A. Adeboye: Prayers For Children

Psalm 59 Prayers of Divine Deliverance

Open Heavens 27 May 2023

Powerful Declarations For today 27 May 2023

Divine Armor: 15 Prayers of Powerful Protection from the Psalms

13 Prayers Points Against The Spirit Of Untimely Death

21 Prayers Points Against Near-Success Syndrome 

Let’s Pray!

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

Father, thank You for all the things You have already done for me. I would never have amounted to anything without Your help. Thank You, Lord.

Father, I thank You because I slept and I woke again because You have sustained me. Father, I thank You in Jesus’ name.

Lord please have mercy on me and forgive my iniquities in the name of Jesus.

Father, we intercede for every woman looking unto You for the fruit of the womb. Your Word says that “children are a heritage of the Lord: And the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; So are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.” please make every expectant woman happy and a joyful mother of children in no time in Jesus’ name.

Lord, please grant me and my spouse the grace and the wisdom we need to equip our children with the needed knowledge of the word of God, good education, discipline, and godly upbringing, to assume the leadership positions that God has in store for them in life in Jesus’ name.

Father, let me be the parent of godly children that have nothing to be ashamed of. Let me move about with my head held up high at any public gathering. Let my children indeed be weapons in the hand of God in Jesus’ name.

Father, please let my children – born and unborn become powerful divine weapons, in Jesus’ name.

Father, please heal my water and heal my land in the name of Jesus!

Father, please let me experience all round fruitfulness in my business, family, academics, life, ministry, and many more areas of life in Jesus’ name.

Oh Lord, please let my fruits enlarge and increase by multiplication in Jesus’ name.

Father, please step into every longstanding affliction in my life and family and let them be brought to their abrupt end in Jesus’ name!

Oh Lord, I am tired of the level that I am on now; I want to move forward. I have achieved some success and I am grateful to You, but I am not yet where I want to be. Shift me forward Father in the name of Jesus!

Today, I say enough is enough of (mention the problem you are tired of) and I decree that this challenge ceases immediately in Jesus’ name.

Lord, I am in need of mercy. I ask that You take away everything in my life that is not of You in the name of Jesus.

Lord, I am in need of a favor. I ask that in my going out and coming in men will favour me. I ask that You help me find favor before men and kings in Jesus’ name.

Lord, bless Your son Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him, guide him on the path, help him remain focused, and bless his entire household, in Jesus’ name.

Father, bless everyone dedicating their time to pray through these prayers at the point of their needs. Give them the grace to share/rebroadcast, in Jesus’ name.

Thank You, Lord,  for everyone working on this community (RCCGONLINE.ORG).

Lord all those who have been rebroadcasting these prayers and declarations, give them the grace to keep up with this good work of Faith, in the name of Jesus.

By faith, appreciate God for answered prayers. Your testimonies are undeniable in Jesus’ name.

Father, let every challenge, hindrance, and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on a daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

Submit yourself and your personal petitions to God. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

See you here tomorrow.

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed by these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

life-changing prayer! Please contact us a;t [email protected] today.

Open Heavens For This Week:

Monday: Open Heavens 22 May 2023

Tuesday: Open Heavens 23 May 2023

Wednesday: Open Heavens 24 May 2023

Thursday: Open Heavens 25 May 2023

Friday: Open Heavens 26 May 2023

Saturday: Open Heavens 27 May 2023

Sunday: Open Heavens 28 May 2023

Children are divine weapons in God’s hands. Parents have a huge responsibility for equipping these weapons.

May God grant you grace as you study today’s devotional in Jesus’ name.

Today’s confession: I confess today that I and the children that the Lord God has given me, we’re for signs and wonders. My children are divine weapons from God. They are arrows shot from eternity through time. They accomplish and fulfill all that they are sent to in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Hallelujah!

Pastor E. A. Adeboye: Prayers For Children

Psalm 59 Prayers of Divine Deliverance

Open Heavens 27 May 2023

Prayer Points For Open Heavens 27 May 2023

Divine Armor: 15 Prayers of Powerful Protection from the Psalms

13 Prayers Points Against The Spirit Of Untimely Death

21 Prayers Points Against Near-Success Syndrome 

Let’s Declare!

I decree and declare that I am saved from every form of evil right now because I call upon the name of the Lord and it is written that “it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I decree and declare that for everywhere I have been barren, I receive fruitfulness in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that it doesn’t matter how long I have been waiting for the fruit of the womb, my God will give me multiple children in nine months’ time, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I will not be ashamed, my children are divine weapons trained by God. And they shall speak with the enemies in the gate in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I am the parent of godly children. Therefore I have nothing to be ashamed of, I can move about with my head held up high at any public gathering. My godly children are weapons in the hand of God in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that my children are of divine origin. They are arrows and are equipped with much skill, craftsmanship, and training. Therefore they are used effectively in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that the waters of my land, family, and life are healed. Therefore death or barrenness shall no more be found there in Jesus’ name!

I decree and declare that every yoke that has lingered for generations in my life is destroyed right now in the mighty name of Jesus!

I decree and declare that I receive my deliverance from captivity and I am walking into a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the prepared blessings in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that everywhere I had experienced scarcity, I begin to enjoy abundance in the mighty name of Jesus!

I decree and declare that I will not wither, but I shall prosper in everything I do in the name of Jesus

I decree and declare that the word of Christ dwells in me richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing me in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that God will break the bonds of the evil ones asunder and cast their cords away in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare that the Lord will speak onto all my enemies with His wrath and vex them in His sore displeasure in the name of Jesus.

I decree and declare, only good tidings shall be heard around my life and household, and no evil news shall prevail over our destinies, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare, my life is secured with divine security, the devil has no access to my life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Thank You, Father, for your son Pastor E. A. Adeboye and his household, and how You keep using him worldwide.

I decree and declare heaven responds to these prayers and declarations as I say them and I receive answers in Jesus’ name.

Thank You, Lord, for everyone in this community (RCCGONLINE.ORG). 

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these declarations. May they be permanent in Jesus’ name.

Father, let everybody joining in to say these declarations all over the world experience great miracles throughout this month. May we have numerous testimonies in Jesus’ name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow!

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed by these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

life-changing prayer! Please contact us at [email protected] today.

Open Heavens For This Week:

Monday: Open Heavens 22 May 2023

Tuesday: Open Heavens 23 May 2023

Wednesday: Open Heavens 24 May 2023

Thursday: Open Heavens 25 May 2023

Friday: Open Heavens 26 May 2023

Saturday: Open Heavens 27 May 2023

Sunday: Open Heavens 28 May 2023

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 27 MAY 2023 MEMORIZE: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 27 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING PSALMS 139:14-17

[14]I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

[15]My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

[16]Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

[17]How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 27 MAY 2023 MESSAGE

As beautiful as the beginning of your life may be, the end is of great importance to God. While starting a Christian race early is good, God is more interested in how the race will end. Acts 15:18 says, God already knows how you will end your journey right from when you started it. This is because He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending (Revelation 1:8).

My child, note that you didn’t come into this world by mistake: God had settled everything about you before the creation of this world. So, nothing about you can take God by surprise. For instance, Jesus knew His own friend would betray him. It was prophesied in the Bible (Psalm 41:9).

God’s word says the first shall be the last, and the last shall be the first. If you are running the Heavenly race well, good, may you never be the last, but if you are not yet on the right Track, you need to surrender your life to Jesus today so that you can start accommodation in Heaven.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 27 MAY 2023 ACTION POINT

Ask for the grace to follow Him steadfastly until the end.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 27 MAY 2023 HYMN

HYMN 20 – HO, MY COMRADES! SEE THE SIGNAL

1. Ho, my comrades! see the signal
Waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing,
Victory is nigh!

“Hold the fort, for I am coming,”
Jesus signals still,
Wave the answer back to heaven,
“By Thy grace we will, “

2. See the mighty host advancing
Satan leading on:
Mighty men around us falling,
Courage almost gone!

3. See the glorious banner waving!
Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader’s name we’ll triumph
Over ev’ry foe!

4. Fierce and long the battle rages,
But our help is near:
Onward comes our great commander,
Cheer, my comrades, cheer!

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 27 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JOB 1-4

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

God’s mercy is new every morning. However, people can run out of it. We will look into that today.

Today’s confession: I confess today, In this season and beyond, my household is hidden in the secret place of the Most High and we shall continue to abide under the shadow of the almighty. Grace is upon us removing all disgrace in our race. Doors of greatness are opened unto us always, we do not just exist but live in Christ. Hallelujah!

Pastor E. A. Adeboye: Prayers For Yourself

Psalm 59 Prayers of Divine Deliverance

Open Heavens 26 May 2023

Prayer Points For Open Heavens 26 May 2023

Divine Armor: 15 Prayers of Powerful Protection from the Psalms

13 Prayers Points Against The Spirit Of Untimely Death

21 Prayers Points Against Near-Success Syndrome 

Let’s Declare!

I decree and declare that I will not allow sin to lure me away or to rule me. I will stay far from it and the gate of mercy will not be shut against me in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I surrender completely to Jesus Christ now. I hand over my everything to Jesus before it is too late in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare that I take my place in prayer, Bible study, and holy living, and I enjoy the victory that Christ Jesus won for me in the name of Jesus!

I declare and effect my victory in Christ Jesus over the devil, challenges, and unpalatable circumstances by my submission to the Lord Jesus Christ in Jesus’ name.

I declare that I Submit myself to God. I resist the devil, and he flees from me in the name of Jesus.

I declare that I am under the authority of the Almighty where no power of evil can reach me in the name of Jesus.

I decree, my days are protected from all evil. I will not fall prey of any plans of darkness. I am in Christ and Christ is in me, in the name of Jesus.

I decree my joy will never be replaced with sorrow no matter how the enemy tries in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare, the energy to run and not be tired is supplied to me right now, I will work and not be tired, I will use my hands to do great things for my life and household, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare, my health and that of my household is insured by the blood of Jesus.

I decree and declare, only good tidings shall be heard around my life and household, no evil news shall prevail over our destinies, in Jesus’ name.

I decree and declare, my life is secured with divine security, the devil has no access to my life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Thank You, Father, for your son Pastor E. A. Adeboye and his household, and how You keep using him worldwide.

I decree and declare heaven responds to these prayers and declarations as I say them and I receive answers in Jesus’ name.

Thank You, Lord, for everyone in this community (RCCGONLINE.ORG). 

Thank You Holy Spirit for all the testimonies and miracles coming through these declarations. May they be permanent in Jesus’ name.

Father, let everybody joining in to say these declarations all over the world experience great miracles throughout this month. May we have numerous testimonies in Jesus’ name.

Somebody shout Hallelujah!

See you tomorrow!

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed by these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

life-changing prayer! Please contact us at [email protected] today.

Open Heavens For This Week:

Monday: Open Heavens 22 May 2023

Tuesday: Open Heavens 23 May 2023

Wednesday: Open Heavens 24 May 2023

Thursday: Open Heavens 25 May 2023

Friday: Open Heavens 26 May 2023

Saturday: Open Heavens 27 May 2023

Sunday: Open Heavens 28 May 2023

God’s mercy is new every morning. However, people can run out of it. We will look into that today.

Today’s confession: I confess today, In this season and beyond, my household is hidden in the secret place of the Most High and we shall continue to abide under the shadow of the almighty. Grace is upon us removing all disgrace in our race. Doors of greatness are opened unto us always, we do not just exist but live in Christ. Hallelujah!

Pastor E. A. Adeboye: Prayers For Yourself

Psalm 59 Prayers of Divine Deliverance

Open Heavens 26 May 2023

Powerful Declarations For today 26 May 2023

Divine Armor: 15 Prayers of Powerful Protection from the Psalms

13 Prayers Points Against The Spirit Of Untimely Death

21 Prayers Points Against Near-Success Syndrome 

Let’s Pray!

Lord Jesus, I thank You for today, it is a day that You have made so I rejoice in it in Jesus’ name.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your cleansing blood and for Your forgiveness. I am sorry for taking heed to the voice of evil over the voice of righteousness. Father forgive me and make me white as snow in the name of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, just as Your Word says, I have come before Your throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace in the time of need. Have mercy upon me in the name of Jesus.

Lord, help me to read, understand, and diligently apply Your Word in the name of Jesus.

Father help me to always consult Your Word regarding every issue in life in the name of Jesus.

Father, help me not to harden my neck when I am reproved so that the gate of mercy will not be shut against me in Jesus’ name.

Oh Lord, please in Your mercy, keep me from sin. May I not remain in sin until it brings me down in Jesus’ name.

Lord, please help me to remain holy so that I won’t be shut out of the mercy of God in Jesus’ name.

Father, help me to do good here on earth that I may receive a great reward when I appear before Your judgement seat in the name of Jesus.

Father, may I never hear the words “depart from me you worker of iniquity” from You. May I hear “Welcome, you good and faithful servant” on the last day in Jesus’ name.

Father, help the people in the world today who are still living in sin to come to repentance and pay attention to Your Word in the name of Jesus.

Father, may my household and I never have to beg for mercy when it is too late in Jesus’ name.

Father purge my heart and help me to keep away from all sinful acts so that I can escape the agony that awaits sinners in hell in Jesus’ name.

Father, please don’t let me ever be a candidate of hell, help me to stay blameless in Jesus’ name.

Lord I am in need of grace. I ask that You grant me grace in my endeavors. I ask that You give me grace to live above the system and power of this world in Jesus’ name.

Lord I am in need of mercy. I ask that You take away everything in my life that is not of You in the name of Jesus.

Lord I am in need of favour. I ask that in my going out and coming in men will favour me. I ask that You help me find favour before men and kings in Jesus’ name.

Lord, bless Your son Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye for all his years of continual service, remember him, guide him on the path, help him remain focused, and bless his entire household, in Jesus’ name.

Father, bless everyone dedicating their time to pray through these prayers at the point of their needs. Give them the grace to share/rebroadcast, in Jesus’ name.

Thank You, Lord,  for everyone working on this community (RCCGONLINE.ORG).

Lord all those who have been rebroadcasting these prayers and declarations, give them the grace to keep up with this good work of Faith, in the name of Jesus.

By faith, appreciate God for answered prayers. Your testimonies are undeniable in Jesus’ name.

Father, let every challenge, hindrance, and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on a daily basis be removed, in Jesus’ name.

Submit yourself and your personal petitions to God. Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

( Philippians 4:6)

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

Thank you Father for answered prayers.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

#GodBlessOurNation

These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.

See you here tomorrow.

Note: These prayers are spiritual and can only be understood and fully enjoyed by God’s children. If you want to be blessed by these prayers, you must first, surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, by saying this prayer:

To fully benefit from these prayers, you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, I come before You today with a broken and contrite heart full of repentance. Please, forgive me for all my sins. Today, I surrender my life to You, I believe that Jesus is Lord and I confess it with my mouth. Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from eternal destruction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN!

If you participated in that 

life-changing prayer! Please contact us a;t [email protected] today.

Open Heavens For This Week:

Monday: Open Heavens 22 May 2023

Tuesday: Open Heavens 23 May 2023

Wednesday: Open Heavens 24 May 2023

Thursday: Open Heavens 25 May 2023

Friday: Open Heavens 26 May 2023

Saturday: Open Heavens 27 May 2023

Sunday: Open Heavens 28 May 2023

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 26 MAY 2023 MEMORIZE: The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. Proverbs 15:24

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 26 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING PROVERBS 10:8-14

[8]The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

[9]He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

[10]He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

[11]The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

[12]Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

[13]In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

[14]Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 26 MAY 2023 MESSAGE

The Bible says in Proverbs 10:8a that the wise are those that receive commandments: they do not just hear or read the commandments they live by them. Ecclesiastes 8:1 makes it clear that there is a relationship between wisdom and joy.

It takes wisdom and the humility of the heart for one to abide by the commandments of God. The wise possess joy because they consciously bring joy to the people around them by living a life of godliness and righteousness. They also make Heaven rejoice because God delights in the righteous.

Unfortunately, we rarely find people living like this in the world today as many no longer consider God’s commandments. My beloved child, to be wise, you need to fear God and obey His commandments, then, you will have unspeakable joy and your life will be filled with His glory.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 26 MAY 2023 KEY POINT

Obedience to God’s commandments is wisdom that brings joy.

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 26 MAY 2023 HYMN

HYMN 5 – TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE

1. Take my life and let it
Consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moment and my days
Let them flow ceaseless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for thee

3. Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my king;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my sliver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall no longer mine:
Take my heart, it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for thee .

OPEN HEAVEN FOR TEENS 26 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: ESTHER 6-10

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE

OPEN HEAVEN 26 MAY 2023 MEMORIZE: All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:10

OPEN HEAVEN 26 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING ROMANS 9:15

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

OPEN HEAVEN 26 MAY 2023 MESSAGE

The gate of mercy is very wide and this is inspired by God’s immeasurable love for us. Psalm 108:4 says: For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.

The gate of mercy is so wide that it can take everybody in the world John 3:16); however, this gate of mercy can be shut suddenly, in a way that no one can explain. The gate of mercy can snap shut within the twinkling of an eye. Proverbs 29:1 says, “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy”.

Many a time when the gate makes an attempt to snap shut, God’s love will push it open again, but a time would come when it will snap shut and nothing can open it again.

Some years ago, a woman was very sick and the doctors said there was nothing more they could do for her so her relatives brought her to me for prayers. As I laid my hand on her, I felt the anointing like hot oil flow through my hand, but as it got to her head, it returned immediately. I asked God why and He said, “I have had mercy and warned her several times, but she wouldn’t listen. It is now my turn to refuse to heal her”.

I ran to the altar and cried to God, saying, “Please Lord, You said You don’t want the destruction of a sinner and Your mercy endures forever; please have mercy!” I ran back to her and placed my hand on head again but the same thing happened. I ran back to the altar, pleading for God to have mercy on her, but by the time I went three times and returned to lay hands on her again, she was dead.

Remember the story of the fruitless tree in Luke 13:6-9? God said, “For three years I have examined this tree and done everything I could for it, yet it bore no fruit; I will cut it down”. Mercy said, “Give it another chance, another year, to see what happens; if it still doesn’t bring forth fruit, You can then cut it”.

You don’t know when your last chance will be. You don’t know if the last time you sinned was your last chance before the gate of mercy shuts against you. Surrender completely to Jesus Christ now before it is too late.

OPEN HEAVEN 26 MAY 2023 KEY POINT

The gate of mercy can be shut at any time. Start living holy now so that it doesn’t shut you out of the mercy of God.

OPEN HEAVEN 26 MAY 2023 HYMN

PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR

1. Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

CHORUS
Saviour, Saviour,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

2. Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.

3. Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by thy grace.

4. Thou the spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have lon earth beside Thee?
Whom in heaven but Thee?

OPEN HEAVEN 26 MAY 2023 BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: ESTHER 6-10

AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE